A local stepping up for future generations in the Bay of Plenty
Tom Rutherford, representing the National Party, serves as the Member of Parliament for the Bay of Plenty and is the youngest MP of any of the Government parties. His political journey stems from a desire to serve his local community, in which he was born and raised, and help tackle some of the biggest challenges the community and country is facing at the moment.
Despite his youth, Rutherford brings a local perspective, energy and fresh insights. Rutherford has a degree in Public Policy and Political Science and prior to his parliamentary career, he worked for the Mayor of Rotorua, Tania Tapsell, in the Policy and Planning team at the Western Bay of Plenty District Council and for the National Party.
When he’s not at work, Rutherford enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Hannah, playing cricket for the Greerton Cricket Club, officiating as a New Zealand Hockey Umpire and Bay of Plenty Rugby Referee, and he recently retired as a volunteer firefighter with the Mount Maunganui Fire Station, after 3.5 years of service.
In his maiden speech to Parliament, Rutherford pledged “to address key concerns for the Bay of Plenty, such as the cost of living, crime, and infrastructure, particularly advocating for the upgrade of State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Ranges and the Takitimu North Link all the way through to Ōmokoroa.”
As a new MP but a lifelong local in the Bay of Plenty, he brings a contemporary perspective and emphasises active listening and humility in public service.
Committed to building on past efforts, Rutherford aims to contribute to New Zealand’s progress for future generations.
