He's 26-years-old, and looking to take the place of outgoing MP and former National Party leader Todd Muller.

Tom Rutherford says he is a Bay of Plenty local, and is 'incredibly proud” to be putting his hand up to represent his home.

Rutherford has been a volunteer firefighter at the Mount Maunganui Fire Station, a New Zealand Hockey umpire, a Bay of Plenty rugby referee and has captained the Greerton Cricket Club.

He also likes to socialise, and head to one of Bay of Plenty's 'many great” cafes like Pearl Kitchen when he can with his partner.

Speaking to SunLive, Rutherford says Kiwis need people of 'all ages and experiences” in the Beehive, to make sure the country has 'the best effective representation” in Parliament.

Bay of Plenty's top issues

When asked about the Bay of Plenty's most important issues, Rutherford says the cost of living crisis, transport and local democracy would make the top of the list.

'The cost for people to go to the supermarket, the price at the petrol tank, mortgages with exponentially rising interest rates are really expensive for a lot of people living in our Bay of Plenty community.

'We've also got some major challenges with transport, particularly with State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range and State Highway 2 through Te Puna and Ōmokoroa, where there's some big issues there connecting our local community.

'There's also the issue of local democracy which is an issue for a lot of people. We've had the comissioners here for a while, and people are really keen now to have some local voices around that table, and getting back to having some local elections.”

Transitioning to local elections

Rutherford says if in Government, National would closely oversee the transition between the commissioners and a newly elected council in 2024.

'We need to make sure Tauranga has the best representation at the local government level. We don't want to revert to what was there previously, but we need to also ensure the best local representation sitting around the table as well with elected members.”

When asked if commissioners would ever be reappointed again if issues arise, Rutherford says he wouldn't want to 'jump the gun” and comment on a hypothetical situation.

'We just want to make sure locally here in Tauranga our city council has the best representation to make decisions for our city and our community, and that's with elected members.”

Being selected

Rutherford says it's a 'real priviledge” to be selected as the Bay of Plenty candidate for National. Handing over the reigns, Rutherford says current National MP for Bay of Plenty Todd Muller has shared advice for his political future.

'Todd has told me to be authentic, and to be Tom Rutherford. He's also told me to get out there and listen, as the best way to understand the local issues facing the community is to be out and about listening and hearing those conversations from people.”

Last year, Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell was stood down shortly after being elected for an investigation relating to bullying accusations.

When asked if this investigation made him think twice about running, Rutherford says people are 'acutely aware” of being available to the public when running for a public office.

'It's not about being squeaky clean or not having any issues, but it is about being transparent and honest with people and saying this is who I am today, and if you want to support me, fantastic.”