New Labour MP Dominik Yanzick says the cost of living and jobs for young people were the two major concerns raised by voters across Wigram, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Speaking to chrislynchmedia.com from Parliament in Wellington, Yanzick said he was struck by how similar the issues were in the electorate’s wealthier and less affluent communities.

“Those issues around cost of living and jobs, they were throughout the electorate.”

Yanzick defeated National’s Tracy Summerfield by 1,935 votes, securing 15,086 votes to her 13,151, according to preliminary election results.

The victory means Labour retains the electorate previously represented by Megan Woods, who did not seek re-election.

Despite his comfortable winning margin, Yanzick said he had expected a much closer contest.

“We thought it was going to be a tight race.” He credited volunteers from different communities and organisations for helping deliver the result through door knocking, street corner meetings and conversations with residents.

“We had some amazing volunteers.” The reality of becoming an MP began sinking in when Yanzick flew to Wellington following Saturday’s election.

“Yesterday it was still quite surreal,” he said. His first experience inside the Beehive also came with an unexpected challenge.

While trying to find a glass of water, Yanzick became lost in Parliament’s corridors, eventually discovering the kitchenette was only a few metres from where he had been sitting.

“But I went the opposite way,” he laughed. He said the amount of information being given to incoming MPs was another adjustment.

Only a year ago, Yanzick was preparing to go through Labour’s candidate selection process. He was selected in December and has spent much of the past year campaigning.

Asked what he wanted to achieve during his first three years in Parliament, Yanzick said establishing an accessible electorate office and developing strong relationships with local communities would be his immediate priorities.

“I’ve seen what 15 years of strong relationships does.” He said his conversations with Woods had largely focused on campaigning, particularly the importance of meeting voters personally, rather than the practicalities of parliamentary life.

For now, Yanzick has a straightforward ambition. “Just being a great local MP.”

The official election results are due on 27 November.