Todd Talks By Todd Muller

It would be fair to say that the past few weeks have been a trying time for the New Zealand National Party. We have collectively been processing a highly complex and sensitive situation and the raw emotions that come with having one of your own turn their back on the team.

There have also been some very serious and shocking allegations about the working environment here in parliament.

Questions have been raised about mental health, relationships, campaign finances and the influence of foreign interests in our political system – all of which are valid questions that need addressing firmly and clearly.

I want to acknowledge and assure you that as your elected MP, the questions will be answered.

Political distractions are not what New Zealanders want to see from their elected representatives – it's certainly not what our communities send us to parliament for.

That's why I'm pleased to see our leader, Simon Bridges, has announced an independent review into our party culture. If issues are identified then I'm confident that they will be addressed swiftly.

It's absolutely critical that we refocus and never lose sight of what actually matters to hardworking families. But as the dust settles on this saga, let's not forget the innocent people caught up in it who have become collateral damage – husbands, wives and children. In fact, the impacts are rippling across Parliament still.

We must always remember that one person's headline is another person's nightmare. Those people not only deserve our support, but also our empathy.