that is the word I seem to have said a thousand times today.  

• Thanks to the voters of Wellington Central for having faith in me to be your representative.  I will work hard to make sure that your concerns and issues are heard.  My door will  be open to all Wellingtonians and all the diverse communities that make up our great city.  
• Thanks also to my fantastic campaign team.  It was a true team effort throughout the campaign, and especially yesterday to get out the vote.  I owe you all a huge debt of gratitude.
• Thanks to my family and friends for all the support that you have given me. Not just this year, but throughout my life.  It means a lot to me.
• Thanks to Stephen Franks and his people for their gracious concession last night.   Tempers fray and tensions rise in a campaign, but I appreciated the chance to talk last night. Also thanks to Heather Roy and Sue Kedgley for coming to say hello.

Obviously the result at a national level was not what I had hoped for. I want to congratulate National and their allies on their success.  The ‘time for a change’ message seemed to be unstoppable, and National campaigned cleverly around it. I remain very proud of what Labour has achieved in government in nine years.  Under Helen’s leadership so many positive changes have happened to New Zealanders and New Zealand.  The time for this government is over, but the legacy in so many areas will carry on.   I will post more fully on Helen and Michael’s contribution in the next few days, but in the meantime, I also offer them my heartfelt thanks.