Clutha Southland electorate secretary Glenys Dickson gears up for a busy time.
Clutha Southland senior electorate secretary Glenys Dickson said although there had been dozens of messages of congratulation since the assigning of portfolios, she did not think the people fully understood the significance of Mr English's postings.
‘‘Having a deputy leader and Minister of Finance coming from this area is a huge benefit for Southland,'' Mrs Dickson said.
Southland's profile would be raised and its potential highlighted, she said.
The moving of National from its opposition status to being in power will mean a complete change in approach for the Gore electorate office. Mrs Dickson believed constituents who consulted the office with issues would receive better outcomes.
The office was set up to help Clutha Southland constituents and that would continue.
‘‘It's an MP's office that serves constituents regardless of their political alignment,'' she said.
People often consulted the two electorate secretaries based at the office as a last resort, she said.
Staff can deal with up to 30 people a week. ‘‘But the phone never stops,'' she said.
The issues can range from disputes with neighbours through to problems with ACC and health.
‘‘It's so varied really. We channel them to the relevant agencies or organisations for help with the issue,'' she said.
Clutha Southland electorate secretary Mary Pullar said staff helped people find solutions or a pathway to solving problems. ‘‘Often, people don't know where to start,'' Mrs Pullar said.
The staff had to be welli-nformed about changes in policy and existing policy, Mrs Dickson said.
As well as being informed about government policy, Mrs Dickson said it was necessary to be involved in the community and to know what the issues were that affected people locally.
Mrs Dickson is involved in a number of community organisations and is a member of some liaison groups.
Many of the calls to the office contained feedback about government decisions. A record of those comments was kept and passed on to Mr English, Mrs Pullar said.
