Matt Paul is looking to swap his outdoor life in the treetops for politics, as long-standing local MP Andrew Bayly steps aside. The Chatter asked him why he’s hoping to take his place.
Give us the inside story on Matt Paul
Originally born in Bombay, I moved back to Pukekohe 22 years ago, having lived in South Auckland for most of my life. I attended Rosehill College and studied Arboriculture and Horticulture at Wintec in Hamilton.
After a few years working in the industry, including a season track cutting for the Department of Conservation in Hamilton, I started my first Arboricultural Business at the age of 23, servicing the wider Auckland and Waikato areas, before becoming a specialist arboricultural and landscape consultant 12 years ago.
Being an arborist sounds like a great job- why swap?
Yes, working as an arborist is a rewarding career. As a working arborist, I enjoyed time in the outdoors and being new places every day. Working in people’s backyards and in local parks and reserves, you really build an appreciation for our natural environment.
As a consultant, I‘ve had the privilege of helping create green spaces in new subdivisions and local park and playgrounds, while helping to shape our cities through roading and infrastructure planning.
However, through my career, I have seen how rules and regulations have begun to slow down our economy and make it much harder and more expensive for everyday New Zealanders to get things done. We’re all feeling that in our lives in one way or another!
When Andrew Bayly decided to retire, I thought this was a great opportunity to step in and – if I get into parliament – help shape new legislation to make sure we get future laws right for everyday people and improve existing legislation to get New Zealand moving again.
So, you’re heading into politics; were you always interested in politics- how did that come about?
While I have always had an interest in general politics, my involvement with the National Party began in 2018. Since then, I have been heavily involved with the National Party Port Waikato team and served in various roles in the executive before my selection as the new candidate at the end of April.
Realistically, what difference do you think you’d make?
While I understand politics is tough, I feel that my career as a practical arborist, time as a business owner and employer, coupled with a history of solving complex problems can help me to support Port Waikato. I also understand that being an MP is a privilege and that one of the most important parts of the job is to advocate for local issues. Andrew has always been very available to locals, and I plan to continue that if I’m elected.
What would you like to see for the Waikato
The Waikato Area, and especially North Waikato, continues to be an important part of New Zealand. We’re a supplier of high-quality produce and a growing economic engine home to industry.
The expanding industrial hub of Pokeno and new businesses such as the National Green Steel project in Hampton Down and Sleepyhead in Ohinewai, bring new opportunities for locals and provide a pathway for young people as they choose their careers.
Continuing to support new businesses and championing the strengths of Port Waikato to new industries can only strengthen our communities for the future.
Finally, what have been the biggest highlights/challenges of your life so far?
I feel fortunate to have had a number of meaningful experiences so far. A major highlight was spending my final year of high school in Denmark as a Rotary Exchange student.
That experience broadened my outlook, strengthened my sense of service, and helped set me on the path to standing as the National Party candidate for Port Waikato. (I note with interest that the Mayor of Waikato District Council is Danish and I’m intending to catch up with him soon; no doubt we have some stories to share!)
Another highlight has been raising our two children with my wife in Pukekohe. We feel lucky to call north Waikato home, and it’s a great place to raise a family.
One of my biggest challenges was completing an Executive Master of Business through Massey University while working, running a business, and managing family commitments. It took discipline and perseverance, but it was also immensely rewarding and gave me skills and perspective I can carry into public service.
