Pictures: Maree Wilkinson
Sitting in their modern home on a Papamoa street lined with palm trees, the Member of Parliament for the Bay of Plenty, Tom Rutherford – the youngest MP in Government – and his fiancée Hannah Ralph excitedly share their wedding plans with Woman’s Day.
The big day is still a year away, but self-confessed “overorganised type A” Hannah, 27, has everything nailed down already.
“I’ve always been the girl who’s dreamed of her wedding,” she admits. “I’ve already booked the venue, DJ, photographer, videographer, hair and makeup, caterer, florist… and I’ve ordered my dress – it’ll arrive in six months!
“When we got engaged, everyone said, ‘Enjoy it. Don’t worry about planning anything just yet.’ But that’s not who I am!”
Tom, 28, got down on one knee last July on Omanu Beach, where the couple had their first date.
“One of my friends from school is an incredibly gifted photographer and I’d organised for him to be hiding in the sand dunes,” tells the politician. “He captured the whole moment, so that was really special.”
Of course, Hannah said yes and couldn’t wait to share the good news.
“But I suggested we hold off telling anyone until the next day,” says Tom.
Though he wanted to shout it from the rooftops, he’d planned to meet both their families for a meal afterwards as a surprise for Hannah. He told her, “Why don’t we just enjoy the moment?”
Hannah laughs, “I couldn’t believe I wasn’t able to tell my mum! But it turned out that was the best part – our families being there to surprise us at dinner. They were so happy.”
Hannah grew up on a dairy farm in the Waikato, but her parents have retired to Waihi Beach, while Tom grew up in Tauranga, where his entire family has stayed. The couple have chosen Bay of Plenty venue Black Walnut as the backdrop for their big day because it’s halfway between Waihi and Tauranga.
As for the honeymoon, they’ve planned a two-week adventure through the US and added a cruise into Mexico. “I love cruises,” says Hannah. “There are so many exciting things to do and it’ll be cool to utilise the dance moves we’ll learn for the wedding.”
Asked if he’s nervous about the first dance, Tom looks somewhat sheepish. “I did Stage Challenge at school,” he tells. “I was lucky enough to be the male lead – not that I’d ever tell my constituents that!”
Tom’s favourite subject at school was drama.
“I’ve got no shame,” he jokes. “Even now, I pretty much say yes to anything. I did a dunk tank at a school fair recently and dressed up as Santa for a Christmas market.”
Tom knew from a young age he wanted to work with the community somehow, though he didn’t expect to represent his hometown at only 26.
“I definitely had aspirations to be an MP – I just didn’t think it would happen so early,” he reflects. “I thought I would’ve been 56 or 66!”
However, he credits his fresh perspective for convincing the public to vote him in.
“It’s an incredible opportunity,” he agrees. “I thought I’d be judged based on my age – that people would think I was too young and immature – but they’ve looked at my ability and what I can contribute. The community has really come behind me.”
Despite his love of the role, it’s not without its challenges. With coalition power struggles, high unemployment and a health sector in crisis, National has struggled in recent polls, and Tom is still learning to balance his work and home life, which has also been tricky.
“It took me a while to find a routine,” says Hannah, who works in HR. “Every time Tom left for Wellington, I’d become so upset. It would suck not having him here when I came home from work. I have Penny [the couple’s Jack Russell], but it’s not quite the same – she doesn’t listen to my stories as intently!”
However, the juggle is good practice for when they start a family.
“We can’t wait to have kids one day,” says Tom. “We’re both the youngest of three and if we’re lucky enough to have kids, I know Hannah will be an incredible mother. She’s got amazing instincts and it’ll be an exciting part of our journey. But right now, we’re riding the engagement and wedding waves, then we’ll see.”
Hannah adds, “With Tom’s job being so full on, it’ll be good to find a bit more of a rhythm. That said, I’d love kids sooner rather than later.”
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