I'm now getting to know a huge new part of the country. The other big difference has been gaining the education portfolio and, consequently, a much closer relationship with Wairarapa's schools. I've seen plenty of change in farming in Wairarapa. We've pioneered commercial wind farming here with Hau Nui, which has been making electricity from this renewable resource since last year. Forestry is taking over some of the less productive arable land.
Overseas visitors come to check out our varied and efficient land use.
Our vineyards have become internationally known. I look around the countryside and there are innovations everywhere. Greytown is almost unrecognisable from 30 years ago. The beautification and restoration that have been going on have changed its face. Tourism has blossomed everywhere, with homestays, wedding packages, country hotels, the creation of the Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre and a raft of other visitor attractions which make the most of our area's natural beauty.