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to keep your cell phone signal, when Prime Minister John Key told you he was making you Communications Minister". In politics, people are often put into roles they may feel inadequate to fill. Has this ever been the case with you? A: I think women and particularly working mums specialise in feeling guilty and inadequate and I've certainly experienced plenty of that in my life. I don't ever pretend that I have all the answers and my view is that an important part of leadership in any role is knowing how and when to take advice and from whom. I rely on any number of people with a range of specialist knowledge and expertise to help me in the roles I have. Q: How are you personally taking responsibility for this country to ensure generations to come will be able to enjoy the clean, green environment we have today? A: I've always been of the view that while Governments can look after the big picture and major initiatives for the environment, much of the real change will come from each of us committing to doing the little things in our day-to-day life. For me, that's things like recycling our household and farm waste (which requires particular effort on a farm where no council collection exists), trying to reduce consumption of things like water and electricity, making an effort to plant trees and trying to model that sort of lifestyle for our kids. Q: If you were Prime Minister for a day, what three changes would be at the top of your to-do list? A: I think the Prime Minister is already doing all the things that make sense in the current climate. You have been quoted as saying, "our focus is on helping families get a foothold on the ladder of success - where every one of us has access to the same opportunities and the responsibility falls on us to take advantage of them". In relation to the family unit, what is your stance on the same-sex marriage debate? I'm still undecided on the Bill that is coming before Parliament and I don't feel strongly about it either way, nor do I suspect, does the bulk of New Zealand. In general, I'm fundamentally a 'live and let live' sort of person and I don't feel I have the right to tell others how to live their lives or what sort of relationship should make them happy. Having said that, I recognise that the concept of marriage goes to the heart of fundamental values for a considerable segment of New Zealand and we need to respect those views as much as the views of those who wish to be able to call themselves "married". The fact is that same sex family units are already a reality and I certainly haven't seen any evidence that we have avoided the devastating land issues faced by east Christchurch and the port hills. It turns out shaking damage is a far easier proposition to repair than complex land issues. There are still, of course, issues and many still waiting for repairs to be completed but in the main we are doing very well and experiencing considerable growth as residents from more damaged areas choose to move to our relatively stable land. I have spoken previously about the damage to my own home and the fact that we have another place in town that sits on TC3 land, but as what we have been through is so much less than many are living with, it's not something I like to dwell on. Q: Selwyn District was the fastest growing territorial authority in NZ in 2008-09, with 2.8% growth. What is it about this region that is attracting so many? What do you love most about living in this corner of the world? A: Selwyn has a huge number of advantages including stunning scenery and great lifestyle opportunities with lakes, rivers, tramps and ski fields on our doorstep. It also has a strong local economy, caring and supportive communities and great schools, plus we have a major city and international airport within minutes giving us access to everyone we need. Q: You attended Rangitoto College with your fellow National MP, Louise Upston. Is this a school that is known for breading successful politicians? A: Not as far as I know but maybe Louise and I are starting a new trend! My colleague, the late Allan Peachey, had previously been principal at Rangitoto too, so for they are any more or less successful than so called traditional family units. Q: The Selwyn electorate extends from the Southern Alps to Akaroa, including all of Banks Peninsula. What is the latest with post-earthquake recovery in the region? Were you directly affected by the quakes? A: Selwyn was the centre of the original September 4th quake and that was far and away the most damaging for us. Where we have been lucky though, is that in the main a time having the three of us in Parliament together was great. Q: If you knew you could not fail, what would be the one thing you would try? A: There's nothing that springs to mind that I have held back from doing out of fear (except maybe bungee jumping!). I decided a while back that failure was less of a concern for me than having to go through life wondering "what if?" so I tend to subscribe to the old 'feel the fear then do it anyway' adage. www.hermagazine.co.nz | 27