September Showdown

 How is it, you must ask, that supposedly sensible, rational people desire to become an MP?

It’s silly, but there you are, some people lust after such success, if only to stick it to those who, in their youth, predicted they’d never amount to anything.

Told in the form of letters to his wide-eyed nephew Basil, John Terris shares his experiences as he sets out to explain to him that the much sought after office of Member of the New Zealand Parliament, which looks so attractive to the bright, personable and idealistic young man or woman, may turn out to be something else. How to convey the disappointments in store, the trials and tribulations, not to mention the betrayals and disillusionment, which awaits them after they achieve their dream?

September Showdown offers readers a vivid, yet tongue-in-cheek, meander through all that lies ahead of Basil in his quest for selection for the Labour Party and ultimately a seat in parliament.

And John Terris knows those trials and tribulations of office. His CV is vast and full of parliamentary experience from all quarters. He moved into politics in 1977 after a very successful broadcasting career in both radio and TV. Initially a local councillor in the Hutt Valley, in 1978 he began four terms as the Labour MP for Western Hutt, including time as the Deputy Speaker of the House. He became the first MP to sponsor a private member’s bill supporting proportional representation, and in 1989 was presented with a Queen’s Service Order for his time in parliament. He has also held several administration positions in both major parties, has enjoyed the privileges of power and been on the receiving end of bad publicity as an MP. He is currently a member of the Hutt Valley District Health Board, a writer and is still involved with many community groups.

John Terris has no axe to grind with any party — they all get their fair share of brickbats and bouquets!

Election 2014 promises to be a closely fought battle. John Terris hopes this publication may help to keep those election hopefuls who have not seen the error of their ways, and who are instead determined to stand, from coming to grief in the pool of man and woman eating sharks.

Let the showdown begin!

Price:            $24.99

ISBN:             9780473286620

Format:         Paperback

Page extent:   163

September Showdown is available now from all good bookstores.