The Bay of Plenty electorate candidates. Photos / Supplied
The Bay of Plenty electorate candidates. Photos / Supplied
In three months New Zealand will hold its 2020 general election, where each person gets the chance to vote for who they want to represent them in Parliament. Reporter Kiri Gillespie takes a look at the Bay of Plenty electorate's local candidates and finds out who is standing, why and what change they hope to bring.
Todd Muller, 51, current sitting MP for Bay of Plenty, National
Current Bay of Plenty MP and leader of the Opposition Todd Muller says he hopes to bring great things to the region. Photo / File
What are the top three issues you want to focus on if successfully elected, and why?
Bay of Plenty is among the fastest-growing regions in the country and we need quality services that match our population. This has always been a priority of mine and will continue to be. I also want to see new schools and roads built across our region and 24/7 healthcare services in Pāpāmoa.
I am from our community and my passion is to continue to represent my community. Because actions speak louder than words and I have been a strong advocate for the Bay of Plenty since entering Parliament in 2014. Even as an Opposition MP I have pushed hard to change the Government's mind on things like the terrible decision to cancel the Tauranga Northern link road, which is now back on the table.
What is the biggest issue facing Bay of Plenty right now and what would you do about it as MP for Bay of Plenty?
Planning for the region's growth needs to be the priority. This means we need better quality infrastructure across the board to ensure our region's economic prosperity keeps pace with the rest of the country, particularly as we rebuild in the wake of Covid-19. I will make it a personal priority to make sure this region gets the quality roads, schools and healthcare facilities and wider housing infrastructure it deserves.
What would you hope to change by being re-elected to Parliament? As MP for Bay of Plenty I am also the leader of the Opposition, with the aim of being Prime Minister, ensuring New Zealand is a better place to live. The cornerstone of this will be leading our economic recovery from Covid-19; making sure Kiwis have jobs and money to live the lives they want to and secure their futures.
Angie Warren-Clark, 49, current list MP, Labour, Bay of Plenty candidate
Labour list MP Angie Warren-Clark is keen to keep things going in Parliament. Photo / Supplied
What are the top three issues you want to focus on if successfully elected, and why?
1. Health – I'm working on having a local residential facility for addiction. Our community's in need of more options and solutions to support people with their mental health and wellbeing. 2.Environment – the big issues are climate change, reduction of carbon emissions, addressing food waste, protecting our coastal environment. 3. Wellbeing of people – particularly elimination of family and sexual violence.
I'm asking for a party vote. Labour delivered on containing Covid-19, now our priority is to rebuild the economy.
I believe in self-determination when it comes to abortion, the right to choose a dignified death, and the legalising of cannabis so that we can take the profits off organised crime and treat people for addiction.
What is the biggest issue facing Bay of Plenty right now and what would you do about it as MP for Bay of Plenty?
Our economic recovery. I'm looking forward to the infrastructure projects rolling out in our community, the new build of a justice precinct, the many roading projects, school builds and repairs, our support for the environment and tourism jobs. I look forward to continuing to work with regional and local councils to ensure Tauranga stays in the focus at central government.
What would you hope to change by being re-elected to Parliament?
I'm looking forward to working closely with our community to see improvements to our social needs and homelessness. I remain dedicated to the elimination of family and sexual violence. And I'm passionate about ensuring our environment - including our coastal environment and fishing - is not degraded further. We have an obligation to leave this earth better for future generations.
Bruce Carley, 51, Act Party, Bay of Plenty candidate
Act Party Bay of Plenty candidate Bruce Carley has high hopes for the region. Photo / Supplied
What are the top three issues you want to focus on if successfully elected, and why?
Housing, education and firearm laws. Bay of Plenty has some of the most expensive housing in the country. We need to get government out of the way, encourage private investment and get people into homes they can afford. We need an education system that increases school choice and encourages achievement. We need elected representatives that protect people's assets and freedoms, not place limitations on them.
Why should Bay of Plenty elect you as its MP?
As your Bay of Plenty candidate, I am asking for your Party Vote for Act so we can hold the Government to account. More Party Votes for Act means more Act MPs. Only Act has stood up for hardworking farmers, gun owners, and business owners in Parliament. If elected on the Party Vote, I'd listen and take your concerns and common sense to Parliament.
What is the biggest issue facing Bay of Plenty right now and what would you do about it as MP for Bay of Plenty?
Bay of Plenty is a great place. The local economy and thousands of local businesses are reliant on seasonal workers and exporting produce internationally. Horticulture and many livelihoods face uncertain futures with our borders being shut. We need certainty and we need to get back to business fast. Act would increase testing and tracing at the borders to keep Covid-19 out and look to open the borders safely to the workers we need.
What would you hope to change by being re/elected to Parliament?
I would stand up for the people who value personal freedom and personal responsibility and challenge the Government on rushed and undemocratic lawmaking. I would advocate for minimising wasteful government spending and giving New Zealanders tax cuts to kickstart the economy.
Margaret Colmore, New Conservatives, Bay of Plenty candidate
New Conservative's Bay of Plenty candidate Margaret Colmore is calling for tax cuts. Photo / Supplied
What are the top three issues you want to focus on if successfully elected, and why?
1. Repeal the Zero Carbon Act, paying $1.4 Billion p/a to the UN will not change global temperature - focus on finding solutions to our pollution. 2. Repeal the Firearms Amendment Law, a rushed law, making criminals of law-abiding Kiwis. 3. Introducing a binding citizens-initiated referenda that holds government to account, protecting our democratic rights.
My main desire is for people to give their party vote to New Conservative, so that we can affect change in governance. My zeal for truth and strong belief in protecting national sovereignty versus global over governance by the United Nations, makes me steadfast and determined in protecting the rights of all New Zealand citizens.
What is the biggest issue facing Bay of Plenty right now and what would you do about it as MP for Bay of Plenty?
The bureaucratic waste and excessive government and local government spending that is robbing the nation of greater prosperity. If elected, my number one priority is addressing congestion, working with local councils and NZTA for solutions. Remedying the diabolical mistake of the Greerton 'improvements'. The Cambridge Rd/SH29 intersection seriously needs a roundabout. Putting the Northern Bypass and the Katikati Bypass back on track.
What would you hope to change by being elected to Parliament? New Conservative would prioritise: - The supporting economic growth via $10 billion in tax cuts, including an income tax-free threshold of $20,000, removing tax-on-tax, and reducing petrol taxes. - Boost business productivity by cutting red tape and developing primary industries such as drilling and mining. - Provide relief for farmers and others affected by the Emission Trading Scheme and Zero Carbon Bill by repealing both and abandoning the Paris Accords.
