This Saturday by election results came in after a hotly contested campaign week, (from National and the Workers that is) and in the end the result was merely a formality as Winston eased to a 50% majority and a clear mandate to rule from the people of Northland.

This can only be interpreted as an overwhelming endorsement by not only the people of Northland, but Kiwi's in general in the strength and activity of this government. ACT in particular has been a vocal proponent that a good government, is an active government. Todays result not only reflects this philosophy, but reinforces it as well. The last month has been a case study in what effective governance looks like, especially on the legislative front has the ACT Nationally coalition stamps their mark on this term. For Maori and Pasifika especially, we finally have a government willing to do something, anything at all. Ōritetanga Hauora, pardon the pun, is a step in the right direction. Not only will we have Maori and Pasifika voices being heard on issues that affect us, the systemic equities within our healthcare system are finally being addressed. Specialists now dictate planning, and our DHB's will be armed with a Maori and Pasifika health strategy to best plan their care.

Strangulation is being addressed, ACT leading at the forefront of this. We are fighting for safer homes, and safer families. Concrete measures to prevent the risk of re-offending by creating specific provisions for such offences and the affects of such crimes on not only the physical, but mental wellbeing of victims. It may just be a start but the cycle of abuse is slowly being dismantled. This government, contrary to the slander it has received in the press is working to ensure that our low income families have more cold hard cash in their pocket to navigate such tough financial times. It's a tough road but finally, we're starting to navigate out of the last few years of leftist neglect of our homes, institutions, and our nation.

Which is what draws me to my next point, because as well as Winston ran his campaign, the Northland by election was a microcosm for the dysfunctional left. Three separate left wing candidates ran in Northland, and while the Workers will of surprised many political pundits the real story is that instead of working together towards a common goal, the left seemed unable to reach compromise. It was a curious move before this week, and now in the aftermath as they regroup and pickup the reasons the only question I have is, why? Candidates HK and Trongle in particular seemed to struggle under the limelight as both Workers and National went from strength to strength, and the upset of the night was the workers candidate upstaging both the mainstream leftist parties. What played out in the north was evidence of what we have always known, the left has never, and will never be capable of effective governance when they spend half the time bickering amongst themselves. New Zealanders value clear and decisive leadership on the issues that matter to them, and the left proved yet again to be unable to deliver.

The biggest questions are not for the right to answer, Northland proved that the people's mandate well and truly was with ACT Nationally. The main questions are for absent Artemis and the left, what do you do now?

The Following was an opinion piece by BestInBounds in the New Zealand Herald