Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey says he is looking forward to fighting hard for his constituents for another term after being the first National MP in the South Island to be re-selected as a candidate.

“It’s a huge honour to be re-selected as National’s Waimakariri candidate for the 2023 election.

“I remain as committed as ever to advocating on behalf of my electorate, and fighting for the things most important to local residents.”

As the South Island’s top-ranked National MP, Doocey was the first cab off the ranks to be re-selected, and he also picks up a new role as chair of the Greater Christchurch campaign, work he is excited to get stuck into.

“The establishment of this role by Christopher Luxon will give the ability for National to campaign in a targeted way, responding to the specific needs of Greater Christchurch.”

Among his top priorities in Waimakariri is fighting for better roading, both maintenance and infrastructure.

“We have seen complete inertia from this Government over the Woodend Bypass. Waimakariri commuters are sick of seeing their hard-earned taxes being siphoned off for pet projects in Auckland rather than going into the bypass and maintaining our roads.”

Doocey said he would also continue the fight for improvements to health care services in Waimakariri.

“The community has been let down under Labour. They were promised construction on an after-hours facility would start in January this year, but now they are told it’s at least two years away.

“This is a good example of the Government’s centralised health reforms.

“When local control is taken away, the first areas to lose out are rural areas like Waimakariri.”

He views the Three Waters debacle through a similar lens, saying the loss of local control will have a negative impact on Waimakariri.

“It’s abundantly clear ratepayers don’t want it – Waimakariri has a lot to lose but nothing to gain from centralising Three Waters.”

Doocey previously conceded there had been some dark days in the job, particularly following National’s 2020 general election performance, but said he was far more feeling positive about the future.

“I’ve still got a lot of fire in the belly for what I do. It’s what gets me up in the mornings, wanting to make this a better place for everyone, and I’m absolutely focused on continuing to be a hard-working MP for Waimakariri.”