New resident treasures right to vote

Chilean Pedro (Pablo) Pena is delighted to be able to exercise his democratic right to vote this election and is urging others to do the same so they can make a difference. Photo / John Stone

For much of his early life in Chile, Whangarei man Pedro Pena was unable to vote because his country was ruled by a dictatorship, so the new resident can't wait to exercise his right to vote in New Zealand.

The 45-year-old mechanical engineer is urging Northlanders not to be complacent about their right to vote and to make sure they have their say on election day.

Mr Pena, known to all as Pablo, has lived in New Zealand for five years, but after recently gaining residency, the September 20 election will be his first chance to vote here and he can't wait to have his say.

Coming from Chile, which regained democracy in 1990 after General Pinochet launched a coup in 1973, taking part in the democratic process was important to him and he did not want New Zealanders to take their right to vote for granted. He was surprised that a large percentage of people here don't vote saying many people in country's without democracy would do everything they could for the right to vote.

"You cannot take it for granted. I realise the importance of democracy," said Mr Pena, who is improving his English at the English Language Partners Northland and studying for a diploma in civil engineering.

"If you do not vote you cannot have your say, you cannot make a difference. One vote can make a difference and you should vote."

He said he would look for a party that was closest to his philosophies and beliefs.

"I really care about the environment, it's so important, and also doing something for the poor, against poverty. And education is very important. [Having] my voice heard is important and I want my ideas and thoughts [political beliefs] met through voting," Mr Pena said.

He would be attending meet the candidate events to find out which parties and candidates match his beliefs the most before deciding on who to vote for.