Let's Get The Party Started! - Paula's 50 & Fabulous

The bubbly politician’s ready to pop some corks

- Sophie Neville

She might be 50kg lighter than she was a year ago, but in many respects, National Party deputy leader Paula Bennett is just as big as she ever was. Big voice, big personality and big heart. So it’s no surprise that when it came time to celebrate her 50th birthday last week, she decided it was an occasion worth shouting about.

“Three parties! ” she says gleefully as she welcomes Woman’s Day into her West Auckland home, which is nestled into the bush down a long, private driveway in Oratia. “There was a dinner out with my girls, my colleagues threw me a surprise party in Wellington, and in the school holidays I’m taking my family to a little bay up north to really celebrate.

“I’m going to sit back, and let the men run around after me and the girls. I’m hoping there will be roasting of marshmallows and plenty of chardonnay. You only turn 50 once, so I figured it was a milestone worth celebrating!”

And there’s a lot to celebrate as the MP for Upper Harbour muses on what this birthday means to her. Yes, there’s the weight thing – Paula dropped a staggering 50kg after undergoing gastric bypass surgery in late 2017 – and there’s no denying she looks incredible. There’s also the fact the former teen mum and beneficiary has climbed the ranks to become one of this country’s political heavyweights. But while she’s proud of her career, ask her what her greatest achievement is to date and the answer, firmly, is family.

“My most favourite things in the world are my husband and family,” Paula says with a smile. “I’m incredibly proud of the relationships I have with them all.”