# New MPs Share Political Goals

> Incoming National and Labour MPs discuss their political paths and regional priorities.
- Title: New MPs Share Political Goals · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: Incoming National and Labour MPs discuss their political paths and regional priorities.
- Keywords: blair cameron, chris flatt, nelson, waikato, political panel, incoming mp, youth retention, workers rights, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/2530195/incoming-national-labour-mps-on-why-they-chose-politics-and-next-steps
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-11-10T22:03:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: blair cameron, chris flatt, nelson, waikato, political panel, incoming mp, youth retention, workers rights, politics, news
## New MPs Congratulate Each Other
Incoming National and Labour MPs shared congratulations after their first meeting on Morning Report's political panel.
## Bittersweet Transition Period
Flatt described the political shift as 'bittersweet' with new members joining and those who didn't return to Parliament.

> bittersweet
## Cameron's Background
Cameron grew up in Methven, raised by a working mother and father, studied at Princeton and the IMF, then returned to New Zealand in 2020.
## Flatt's Background
Flatt lived in Cambridge with parents who arrived in New Zealand in the 1960s, studied politics and law, and worked in Australia within the union movement.
## Cameron's Political Motivation
Cameron entered politics after feeling frustrated with government and missed the last election by 26 votes.

> a little bit frustrated
## Flatt's Political Motivation
Flatt joined politics after the coalition government's attacks on work rights and pay equity changes.

> absolute attacks on work rights
## Regional Priorities
Cameron wants Nelson to grow economic opportunities for youth, while Flatt focuses on Waikato's agriculture and geothermal energy.

> amazing national parks
## Key takeaway

Blair Cameron and Chris Flatt, new MPs, aim to boost economic opportunities in Nelson and Waikato while addressing youth retention and workers' rights.