The work of a politician relies almost entirely on social interactions, be it with their constituents or fellow politicians. The job also involves a lot of travel within their electorate as well as between home and the capital city. So how are they coping in times of country lockdown? Alina Suchanski talks to the four southern-most Members of Parliament to see how their work practices have changed.

Invercargill MP Sarah Dowie.

Sarah Dowie, MP for Invercargill (National), is staying at home with her seven-year-old son. Her Invercargill office is closed, but she and two of her team are working from home.

“The office number is still active and the staff check the messages regularly. People can also email me. So apart from being in isolation at home, it’s business as usual for us. We have teleconferences using Zoom and Facetime. This week I had one caucus meeting and am due for another one this afternoon,” she said.

Ms Dowie is in daily communication with other MPs, working collaboratively to ease the impact of COVID-19 on the Southland community, offering help and advice to their constituents, giving out important information and advocating for them.

She thinks that by and large most constituents are abiding by the rules and Invercargill seems to be similar to other centres in this respect.

“I get a lot of inquiries regarding what people’s rights and entitlements are in terms of wage subsidies and the definition of essential services. It is my job to help them navigate through those issues.”

Her message to her constituents is: “Use technology to stay in touch to lessen the effects of isolation, but also keep an eye on people in the community who are not computer savvy. We can still talk as long as the 2m distance is observed. Have a good natter over the fence with your neighbour.”

Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker.

MP for Clutha-Southland (National) Hamish Walker is all set up working from home with his family while taking some time every day to head out for some fresh air and exercise to have a break.

“My wife Penny has overtaken the kitchen table with a puzzle, and I’ve got some books to read when time permits, which just hasn’t happened yet,” Mr Walker said.

He admits that working from home is proving to be quite the challenge.

“I’m finding it incredibly hard to stop working! Normally a week entails time in Wellington for sitting [in Parliament] days Tuesday to Thursday, and the other days I am out and about in the electorate. It’s a strange thing to get used to when an MP’s bread and butter is being out in the community visiting people, businesses, schools and groups and assisting them in whatever way’s necessary.”

Over the past week his office has dealt with more than 500 inquiries. 

“We’ve had many people get in touch, worried about elderly friends or family members. Others have been trying to get family members home from overseas and a lot from people who have lost their jobs and are needing financial assistance. One success I’ve had has been assisting a Southland family getting home from South America, who we have managed to get on to a connecting flight through Australia.

"I’ve lobbied for more jobs to be considered essential services like home-kill butchers and small rural shops. It makes no sense to people having to drive large distances to supermarkets when they actually have everything they need in their local town but they’re not allowed to be open. I’ve also assisted numerous amounts of cases helping farmers to get staff and fill a void in this busy time.”

Mr Walker’s message to his constituents is: “Thank you to all of our essential services who are keeping the country going right now. Whether you’re a supermarket worker, farmer, pharmacist, contractor, doctor, nurse, the list goes on – thank you. To those at home, I understand how unnerving this situation is but remember we will get through this. Look after yourselves and look after each other."

Invercargill-based Labour list MP Dr Liz Craig.

Dr Liz Craig, Labour list MP based in Invercargill, also spent the past week working from home and staying in touch via phone, email and social media.

“A lot of my time has been spent responding to people’s queries around the Wage Subsidy scheme, COVID-19 leave and which essential businesses will be staying open. I’ve also taken the time to call some of the older people I know in our community, especially those living alone, to make sure they have everything they need,” Dr Craig said.

Her office is continuing to operate, with her staff being available Monday to Friday by phone or email to answer any queries and respond to welfare concerns. They check in with each other at least once a day, either by Skype or phone. 

The Health and Environment Select Committees have also continued to meet, with members linking in via videoconference from around the country.

While many local businesses and community agencies, particularly those involved with food production, health and welfare, and transport are continuing to operate, many others will be relying on the Wage Subsidy scheme, and other Government support to see them through the tough weeks and months ahead.

“As with our recent floods, it’s good to see Southlanders are stepping up to look after their own, and the Government is moving quickly to provide financial support,” she said.

Clutha-Southland-based New Zealand First MP Mark Patterson.

Clutha Southland-based New Zealand First list MP Mark Patterson is also working from home on a farm near the town boundary of Lawrence. His bubble includes his wife Jude and two teenage daughters. 

He says he is busy on a number of different levels. 

“Work is coming from the office in Gore. I’m trying to keep in regular contact with local mayors. As a spokesman Agriculture and Primary Industries and for Biosecurity, I work with the Minister of Primary Industries for NZ First, which includes keeping in touch with local farmers, ironing out processes regarding essential services.” 

“The government comes up with a high level announcement, so I’m filling in the small details, being a conduit for getting this information down to the grass roots. So far I had two select committee meetings and two caucus meetings via the Zoom application. This helps to keep the wheels of democracy spin.”

Being isolated on a farm Mr Patterson couldn’t comment on his constituents' compliance with the rules, but thinks that people are starting to understand the seriousness of the situation.

“One upside is that we get an opportunity to spend more time with the family.”

His message: “This is a serious situation. It’s tough, but it’s important to comply, because if we don’t, people will die. Look after each other and look after the elderly.”