Thank God it’s over! 

It was getting to the point where I didn’t care who won – just as long as it was over and we could – finally – get to think about something other than the election and the tale of the Two Chrises. 
 
Arguments over fiscal holes, tax policy sleight of hand, whether the GST cut would trickle down and who won what debate, got a little tiresome, for me anyway. 
 
And now we have stories about Amanda Luxon’s biceps! 
 
There were some media and some commentators who were more focused on the bigger picture, longer-term issues affecting our country – productivity issues, GDP growth, infrastructure planning and development, educational uplifts, social cohesion and climate change adaptation – but for the most part this election seemed to be a game of who could bribe the voter with the biggest carrot. 
 
We might have to wait a bit for all the dust to finally settle (aka special votes etc, and the possibility of Winston).  But, barring the unforeseen, we have a new government. 
 
A word to the wise 
But, for those of us who have to work closely with politicians across the spectrum, it’s worth remembering there are a number of MPs and some Ministers who have lost their portfolios/seats. 
 
While writing to the new Minister with your congratulatory covering letter and your BIM, it would pay to send a line or two to those who are departing, or who didn’t quite get there on the night. 
 
And just because they are no longer in power, or haven’t yet ascended to the Treasury benches, doesn’t mean they won’t get there in three years. 
 
A National/Act government with a wafer-thin majority and with the possibility of having to call on Winston may be a difficult beast to manage.  It may prove too fractious for voters by 2026. 
 
So, while it’s tempting to focus on the new Minister(s), especially in this early period, we do need to remember we need friends across the political spectrum. 
 
We may well have to work with Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori in 2026 and, in our line of work, we do need to maintain relationships.  Wellington is a small place and politicians (sometimes) have long memories. 
 
And – a final word – go the ABs!