Scoop's "Meet The MPs" Project: Tim Macindoe

Scoop's "Meet The MPs" Project: Emma Geraghty Talks To National’s Tim Macindoe

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  Click below for a nine minute interview with Tim Macindoe. It gives a brief biography about his career before parliament, leaders he admires and who have inspired him. It also discusses his opinions on the MMP system, and citizen’s referenda in terms of what it says about New Zealand democracy.
  

Biography

Tim Macindoe, after a long time involvement in the National Party, on his second attempt in November 2008 took the Hamilton West seat in Parliament. He was elected with a majority of 1618 votes.

“I very nearly made it to parliament in 2005 for Hamilton West, but Hamilton West tends to be one of those parties that go either way in terms of the government.

“ I think I got the kudos for coming back... and then in 2008 it was my turn,” Mr Macindoe said.

Tim is married to Anne with two children. Up until his election, he was the Chief Executive of Arts Waikato, a regional organisation based in Hamilton.

Tim has always been active in his local community and continues to be involved in serving his district.

“It had always been an ambition of mine to enter parliament since I was a teenager, and my immediate role before parliament was as a chief executive of arts Waikato.

“I’ve been interested in politics for a long time

Earlier this year he completed his second degree, an LL.B, at the University of Waikato.

He previously worked in public service, education, and as a marketing manager for two companies, with breaks to campaign full-time for the National Party in 2002 and 2005.

For six years he was Deputy Principal of St. Peter’s School, Cambridge. He has also worked in retail, agriculture and as a prison tutor.

Tim currently co-chairs the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Regional Orchestra Steering Committee and is a member of the Waikato Chamber of Commerce.

His sporting interests include golf, cricket and rugby and supporting his children’s active participation in sports and cultural activities.

Written answers to index questions

1. What is your view on the decision taken by the Government in relation to

the smacking referendum in terms of what it says about New Zealand democracy.

Any parliament needs to look very carefully into referenda, Macindoe said.

“It is an important aspect of our democratic structure at the moment that members of the public can mobilise support to call for a referendum.

“If they get enough signatures on a petition to force a referendum then we must ensure that the whole exercise is conducted appropriately and taken as seriously as possible.”

2. What is your view on the merits of MMP vs FPP? Should there be another

referendum on the subject and what is your preferred outcome?

“Very pleased to have an announced opportunity for people to have another say on the MMP system.

“National had the policy for several elections now that we would give the public another say on the electoral system and of course this is the first time we've been in government for nine years and therefore in a position to do it.

“My personal hope would be that we would go to a different electoral system, I doubt that we would go back to first past the post system.

“There are some fundamental inequalities and inadequacies in the MMP system.

An alternative suggested by Mr Macindoe is a single transferable vote system, which he identifies as being, “an overall better system”.

He would like to have, “a system where each vote right across the country does have equal value but also where you lead to a parliament that doesn't have as many MPs as there are at the moment”.

“It will be up to the public to decide,” Mr Macendoe said.

3. Name a selection of members of Parliament who have inspired or continue to inspire you.

“Sir John Ross Marshall, was a man who achieved a huge amount, a man of very firm convictions. He bought to his role the sort of values that I admired”, Mr Macendoe said.

“Bill Rowling, for his intelligence and strong commitment to the country, an admirable character.

“David Lange, had a huge heart, an entertaining man... the only man to have held a role of the Prime Minister and leader of the opposition simultaneously.

“John Key, is an outstanding Prime Minister, I’m proud to be part of his team. He has a great ability to focus on the issues and talk clearly about what the problems are and what he sees as solutions.

“Chester Borrows, I admire his determination to get here... he also brings experience in dealing with young people,” Mr Macindoe said.

Emma Geraghty is a journalism student at Massey University

ENDS

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