There have been some great results from the 2017 election. What initially looked like another three years of National has instead delivered us a coalition government dedicated to restoring equality among New Zealanders, and protecting our best interests.

Our local MPs are getting a taste of what it's like to be in opposition, which should not only be character-building, but give them a chance to meet with their constituents more.

Most satisfying though – second only to the ejection of the Maori Party from parliament – has been the utter demise of United Future.

For too long the party was simply a vehicle for Peter Dunne to receive parliamentary perks, including being paid a party leader's bonus (even though his party barely registered any support).

United Future unscrupulously provided support to anyone who would take them – first Labour, then National. In the end, the voters punished them for it. Dunne saw the writing on the wall in Ohariu and jumped ship before he was pushed.

Let's hope New Zealand First takes note and sticks to their principles in 2020, as they have done in this election – lest they end up ‘Dunne and dusted' too.

W Kovacs, Mount Maunganui.