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Phil Goff - Source: ONE News -
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Phil Goff says he is not a stopgap solution and he is working to develop the different dimensions required of him as Labour's leader.
Talking to Paul Holmes on TVNZ's Q + A programme, Goff says he has been visiting the regions and listening to the people as he emerges from the shadow of Helen Clark.
The new leader says that as trade and foreign minister he did not have the opportunity to get around NZ communities to hear people's concerns, needs and aspirations.
And he thinks people have generally been pleased to see him.
Goff believes the public feels the Labour government did a good job with the big issues but became irritated by the little "nanny-state" things such as the anti-smacking bill, planned changes to light bulbs and possible water restraints for household showers.
He says after nine years of Labour people were ready for a change and wanted to "give the other guys a go".
The new leader says Labour has to be humble about its rejection at the polls and he has to communicate the party's vision for the future. Goff says Clark has been a dominant figure for years and her legacy will be around for a long time.
He says she has been very helpful in passing over the leadership which came from a unanimous decision in caucus.
He says the party is rejuvenated and there is a strong degree of unity, with 13 new MPs alongside an enthusiastic core of experienced people.
And Goff relishes the challenge of handling 25 portfolios rather than three or four. Known as a long-standing, competent and capable minister he says he is learning the different requirements of leadership. As a cabinet minister it was important for Goff not to challenge the Prime Minister's authority or standing but as the party leader he says he wants to reach out and "get to know middle New Zealand".
Goff is adamant he is not a stopgap leader and says he has the strength to make the hard decisions. He says he was elected by caucus as the best performing MP to hold that job and if he has to make decisions that could hurt people he is ready to do so.
He told Holmes his vision is of a decent society that looks after all of its people and treats them with dignity and respect. He says that in his role as minister of trade he focused on an innovative and efficient economy that was competitive in the world while his role as foreign minister was about being proud of the national identity and "not kowtowing to any other country". And he says the environment is still a major factor for Labour which will continue to promote clean, green policies.
Goff says the Labour government showed a small country can still make a difference and the principles and values under Clark's reign remain the same. However he says the election result shows policies must adapt to the changing environment.
