'They hate us': Outgoing National MP on what she heard on campaign
Outgoing National MP Vanessa Weenink reflects on her campaign experience, noting significant voter frustration and a perceived disconnect between the party and the public. She expresses concern that the party risks drifting too far to the right by focusing on its base rather than centrist voters.
Why it matters
The internal critique highlights shifting political dynamics in New Zealand and the challenges parties face in balancing ideological bases with broader electoral appeal.
<p>Speaking from outside Parliament this morning, National's outgoing MP for Banks Peninsula Vanessa Weenink said New Zealand was "getting quite fed up with what seems to be a bit of bickering and fighting, and they just actually want to get on with the real issues".</p> <p>"They don't really care whether it's Chris or Chris. It's disappointing all around for them," she said.</p> <p>Weenink said "people in that electorate were telling me literally that they hate us" while she was on the campaign trail in Banks Peninsula.</p> <p>"Like they really got to that point. There were people there telling us that literally hate us, and then other people would tell us that 'look, you guys have lost your way.
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