The Central App sits down for a Q&A with National’s Southland MP Joseph Mooney to take stock of the year that was 2021. 

What can you tell me about the year that was, from your perspective? 

Among a very challenging year for the electorate, the incredible way southerners rally together to get on with life shone through.

Southerners showed an incredible community spirit with our essential workers leading the way to get us through lockdowns and get on with business.

Our communities made huge sacrifices for the safety of New Zealand and part of my work was to make sure our efforts were matched by the Government.

Healthcare was a major focus for me this year as part of advocating for the health and safety of our communities.

Southerners haven’t been getting timely access to the care they need, especially in cancer treatment and detection, maternity services and in accessing specialist appointments.

I have worked hard to highlight deficiencies and lobby the Minister of Health for marked improvements.

I strongly believe all southerners deserve the chance to access first-class healthcare and I will continue to strive for that to become a reality.

What were your personal and professional highlights? 

2021 has been my first full year as MP for Southland, I thoroughly enjoyed it and there are many highlights to choose from.

Seeing results and making a difference in the lives of the people I am representing has been very satisfying.

The nature of both a challenging year and the state of the health system has put many people in tough circumstances.

To lobby for better outcomes for dozens and dozens of constituents, seeing them delivered and to see changes in policy are results I am proud of.

It has also been a very tough year for southern families who have been split up by immigration policies.

To advocate for individuals who have been reunited with their families has been satisfying to be a part of.

There are many, many responsibilities that come with being an MP. I represent large groups like the farming sector, or the tourism industry, but it is important for everyone to know I am here to help on an individual basis.

If people need help, I want them to know they just have to email me or contact my electorate offices so that I can assist them.

What were your challenges? 

The Government’s overwhelming desire for amalgamation and a uniform approach presented challenges across the electorate.

The Three Waters Reforms are a prime example of this, as is the Government’s approach to farming regulations, amalgamating polytechnics and many other areas of governance.

In my role, I am privileged to meet incredibly talented, innovative and inspiring people in my travels around the electorate every week.

I strongly believe we have the people and passion within our own communities to lead our region into the future.

My challenge has been to advocate fiercely for them and to continue to pressure the Government, alongside my colleagues, to move away from their one size fits all approach.

I’ll continue this work in 2022, seeking the best possible outcomes for our communities so that they can control their own futures.

What are you hoping for in 2022? 

I am hoping for clarity and certainty for southerners in 2022.

I think it is fair to say that there has been enough talk, enough promises and enough announcements this year.

Of course, I am hoping for a prospering Southland Electorate and a prospering New Zealand.

The key to that is by putting the uncertainty we have all experienced in 2021 behind us.

I am hoping for certainty for the southern region and the southern economy, so we can all get on with what we do best.

Certainty from the Government sets the tone for that.

My colleagues and I want to see that delivered in 2022 and we will be working hard to hold the Government to account.

Addressing the shortage of workers our region has faced over the past two years will be a key aim for me in 2022.

What is your message to others after this year, and looking forward to next? 

Our communities have been through plenty of highs and lows during 2021.

After a challenging year for everyone, my message is to take time to enjoy the company of your family and friends where possible over the holiday season ahead of another busy year.

I am looking forward to 2022, working under a new leadership team at National that will be working hard for a better New Zealand.

Although the National Party has had some challenges this year, we have made a real difference with many of the plans and policies we have proposed being taken up by the Government.

Clearly, there is a lot more work to do and I am excited to be part of a team that is passionate about delivering a better New Zealand.

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