Nicola Willis MP

Stuff reports:

She’s already completed her parliamentary induction, after being elected last year, but National Party MP Nicola Willis will be joining the ranks for real this time. 

Willis was unlucky to be booted out after special votes were tallied following last year’s general election, but will now heading back to parliament replacing outgoing MP Steven Joyce.

Willis, who turned 37 on Wednesday, ran as a list MP in the Wellington Central electorate and narrowly missed out on gaining a seat in parliament being number 48 on the list.

The former John Key adviser and Fonterra executive said her agricultural background and passion for education will be key areas of focus for her time in parliament.

Willis, a mother of four and businesswoman, said it was exciting to be back at parliament – this time for good.

I’m very pleased Nicola is about to become an MP. I’ve known her since we were staffers together in the early 2000s and she’s always been impressive.

She spent five years working in Fonterra,receiving three promotions in that time – while also having or raising four children with Duncan.

Her final role was as General Manager of Nutrient Management. This was a third level position reporting to a member of the executive team. She was responsible for around 23 farms (with around 100 staff) that Fonterra directly owned with a focus on irrigation and sustainability. 23 farms with 100 staff

In her previous role as Director of Global Stakeholder Affairs, trade strategy was one of her areas of work. So she has a strong business background, as well as political experience. She has also shown you can have a top business career and be a great mother.

The Willis-Small family!