Todd Talks By Todd Muller

One of the most common questions I receive is: ‘What have the first months as an MP been like? Is it what you expected?'

My answer: 'No – it's harder work, more intense, immense fun; and I love every minute of it”.

Being an MP often calls for 70-80 hour weeks, Monday to Saturday, and includes a lot of travel and time away from the family.

As a rule, I try to have Sunday with the family. In most jobs you specialise over-time; however, an MP is exposed to an extraordinary breadth of issues that exist in the community and parliament.

On an evening in Wellington I could be pouring over reports and summaries on a current bill in the House, for example the Social Security (Clothing Allowances for Orphans and Unsupported Children) Amendment Bill, in preparation for a speech in the House the next day.

On another day, like earlier this week, I could be visiting the Bay of Plenty District Health Board with Health Minister Coleman to better understand the current issues they're dealing with.

As some of you may know, this was a job I've focused on achieving for 30 years; and for a period of time in the 1990s I actually worked in the beehive for the then Prime Minister Jim Bolger.

But despite all the mental preparation, as well as knowing full well what to expect from having worked here before, the intensity has surprised me.

One of the privileges of this role is the opportunity to share in the diversity of activity and endeavour you're involved within our community.

This may be sharing the local Welcome Bay residents' vision for a revitalised Owens Park; or acknowledging the joint visions of Mark Fraundorfer, Phil Cammish and Tony Ryall to establish the extraordinary Kathleen Kilgour Centre; or the Japanese owners' genuine delight that they've moved the head office of Brother International NZ from Wellington to Tauriko.

I'm struck by the passion of our people, and the genuine sense of momentum that's building within our community and a real sense of optimism about what 2015 will bring.

I'm really looking forward to Christmas and 2015. I wish you and your family and very special Christmas with your family and friends.

It's an important time for Michelle, the children and I – not only for what Christmas means for our family, but also because there's magic in time spent laughing, relaxing, fishing, reading and having moments for reflection.

May the next few weeks be all you want them to be and I look forward to working for you next year.