Nick Smith - Nelson MP, Minister National Government

Smith confirms he’ll run again in 2011

25 October 2010

Nelson MP Nick Smith confirmed today at a function marking 20 years since he was first elected to Parliament that he would again be contesting the Nelson electorate at the 2011 election.

“Twenty years is a long time in Parliament but I have never felt more effective,” Dr Smith said. “It is very rewarding being a senior Minister securing real results for Nelson such as Government support for the Lee Valley Dam, the Trafalgar Park upgrade and the new NMIT Arts Block.

“I also have huge confidence in John Key and his forward-looking vision for New Zealand and want to do my bit to help bring it to fruition.

“I will be taking nothing for granted in Election 2011. Nelson is not naturally a National seat and I have to work hard to secure the confidence of the people at every election.

“The big issue at next year’s election will be who the public thinks is best equipped to lead Nelson and New Zealand out of the recession. I am confident our plan of rebalancing the economy away from debt and consumption and towards investment and exports will win public support.

“Nelson is the best little city in New Zealand and it is a privilege being its MP. I will continue to put my name into the hat for as long as I have confidence I am making a positive difference to the lives of Nelsonians.”