HELEN WHITE, NZ LABOUR

Helen White: Why your choice of constituency MP matters

Recently Auckland Central politics has been caught up in a little more drama than usual. Okay, that’s an understatement!

I understand why the abrasiveness of politics gets people down and even stops them voting, but the decision as to who you elect to represent you locally and as an advocate for this electorate’s interests in Wellington this year really is an important one. It means I know how to work my socks off.

It has also repeatedly taught me that sometimes we have to find

When the Honourable Winston Peters made his decision to support a Labour led government, he said it was because he trusted Labour to steer New Zealand through the rocky times he predicted were ahead. I presume even he has been shocked at how rocky the water became. I am grateful every day that it is Jacinda Ardern who is steering us through the pandemic. She does so with the consistent ethos of putting the well-being of its people first. I think we are all well aware it isn’t easy water to navigate and no government will get it all right, but I agree with most New Zealanders, that this has been a government which has earned the trust it now has.

At the time I write this we are still in level 3 lockdown and it is again apparent that it is important we move together in the clear and steady direction which is guided by putting the welfare of people first. ‘The role of a good constituency MP is representing all’ I see the local MP’s job is about making sure the same focus on the welfare of people at central government is available in this electorate to all its constituents. For me, the core role of a constituency MP is to listen, advocate and represent people, no matter what they earn, what walk of life they come from, or even who they vote for. That is what I will do if I am elected to this important job. What I offer • I grew up in Freemans Bay. I see the depth of my roots in this community as really helpful. It also means I really care that it thrives. of real experience advocating for people. people’s problems. the middle ground to make progress towards our goals. Being a full-time employment lawyer and running my own business gives me a realistic grip on the economic impact of Covid-19 on businesses and workers in our city.

So far the part of this job I relish most has been the interactions I have with people I otherwise would have no opportunity to meet. I think that bodes well for my capacity to represent people in this electorate. I understand the strain Auckland Central is currently under. I am concerned the plans to tackle congestion through investing in public transport, the provision of green space and well designed, affordable and quality housing, are all under pressure due to the economic strain on the city. It is all the more important this city has an advocate to persuade the Government

As an employment lawyer for over 25 years I have the advantage

It has taught me the importance of being pragmatic when solving

to step in and help realise these plans where it can. A strong voice for Auckland Central in Wellington Right now Auckland Central needs a committed community advocate with her feet on the ground about the impact of Covid and wanting to make this city a better place for us all to live and work. I see it as vital right now for Auckland Central to have an advocate taking every opportunity to gain support from government for practical projects that will support this community. I want to be a local MP advocating in Wellington on behalf of this community. Providing a strong voice for this electorate will hopefully be assisted by the advantage of being inside the government: that is my plea for two ticks for Labour this election!

Election delay I hope an upside of this delay is that there will be more opportunities for me to meet more constituents at the many events and debates planned in our community. I look forward to that chance to meet you. (HELEN WHITE)  PN

www.facebook.com/HelenWhiteLabour

John Elliott: Auckland Central National party candidate

Emma Mellow is the National Party candidate for Auckland Central, after the retirement of four term member, Nikki Kaye.

Nikki Kaye won the seat from Labour in 2008, the first time National had ever won it. She has been an excellent MP, and many of us are sorry to lose her.

I’ve met Emma Mellow just twice, briefly-once after her selection a couple of weeks ago, and then with Nikki Kaye the next day, also for just a few minutes. These fleeting meetings were enough to determine that Mellow is a personable young woman, engaging in conversation, and keen to follow Nikki Kaye into parliament.

Of course I have not had time to dive into her political beliefs or philosophy very deeply.

I’ve since had a chat to her on the phone, and learned more about her.

Emma Mellow is a young woman, but has been very interested in politics for a long time. She has been mentored by Nikki Kaye since she joined the young Nats at 18. She told me she had not expected to enter the fray this cycle, but Nikki’s retirement presented too big an opportunity and that is why she jumped in.

Mellow is looking forward to meeting as many Auckland Central voters as she can. Those she has already spoken to have been interested to talk to her. People are angry about the continued lock down she told me. Jobs are being lost and businesses are going bust.

People are resilient, Mellow claims, but they need a strong MP to help deliver jobs and a healthy economy.

Emma Mellow is not a new comer to political involvement. She grew up in Auckland, brought up by a sick solo mother, who died when she was just 16. During her OE she worked for a Minister in the New South Wales government, and took courses at the London School of Economics and at the University of California. She has nine years commercial experience, and is a young, yet mature, 30 year old.

Mellow has a keen interest in social issues, including women’s health (she suffers from endometriosis), family violence, and is keen to give more support for the LGBTIQA+ community.

I suggested that placed her in the liberal wing of the National Party and she agreed, although she emphasised that National is a broad church.

She would not be drawn on issues of the term of parliament, M aori representation on Councils, the STV vote, but she did support allowing rich foreigners into NZ especially if they set up businesses that employ local people.

I asked Mellow how the government should pay back loans that were essential for supporting workers and businesses during Covid. “Growth in the economy,” she answered. She does not believe New Zealand needs more taxes, even for the rich. She doesn’t want to see benefits cut either. She echoed the old right wing mantra that growth and technology will solve everything!

I’m sure Emma Mellow will hold her own in debate against two very able Auckland Central candidates, Helen White and Chloe Swarbrick, and I hope voters will take the chance to go and hear her.

Covid is interfering right now, but when the time arrives, expect vigorous debate between the three major contenders for the Central seat, Swarbrick, White and now Mellow.

We’ll miss Nikki, Emma. Now the National baton has been handed to you. Good luck. (JOHN ELLIOTT)  PN