Winston Peters is urging people to send the Government a message by voting for him. Photo / Northern Advocate
Winston Peters is urging people to send the Government a message by voting for him. Photo / Northern Advocate
Next Saturday voters in Northland will choose a new MP.
The latest polls are predicting a neck-and-neck race between New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who hails from Whangarei, and National's Mark Osborne.
Labour's Willow-Jean Prime is polling in third spot. Party leader Andrew Little hinted supporters could vote for Peters if they wanted to send the Government a "message".
As the leading contenders enter the final week on the byelection campaign trail, the candidates each answered six questions from the Herald on Sunday.
What is the biggest issue in Northland right now, and how will you fix it?
Economically and socially surviving. Will fix it by sending them a message on Saturday.
Where is the best place to get a beer and fish and chips? My mate's fridge; Mangonui.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced in your life and how did you overcome it? The Parliamentary Press Gallery. I decided to ignore them (only kidding).
Why do you want to be Northland's MP? Because lots of people right across the political spectrum asked me to stand and because Northland needs a real voice with experience.
Who is your political hero and why? Winston Churchill. When almost every other leader had given up in the UK, his leadership galvanised a country and the Commonwealth.
Who will win the Cricket World Cup? This time New Zealand should win!
Willow-Jean Prime, Labour
Willow-Jean Prime.
What is the biggest issue in Northland right now, and how will you fix it?
Unemployment. I will advocate strongly for central government investment in regional development and infrastructure, including roads, rail and port. Youth need to be in education, training or jobs.
Where is the best place to get a beer and fish and chips? The Kawakawa RSA; Stumpy's Fish Kawakawa.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced in your life and how did you overcome it? Childbirth, overcome with a great midwife, gas and an epidural. Fighting injustices, overcome by perseverance and self-belief.
Why do you want to be Northland's MP? I want a better future here for us all in Northland. I believe I can make a real difference because I have the skills and passion to do the job.
Who is your political hero and why? Michael Joseph Savage -- he was iconic, his picture hung in many homes. Pivotal in the Labour movement, leading the establishment of the welfare state and Labour to victory in 1935.
Who will win the Cricket World Cup? We will, of course. We're in great form.
What is the biggest issue in Northland right now, and how will you fix it?
We need more economic growth and jobs to build on the progress that's already been made. Only I can be a strong voice actually in government advocating for Northlanders.
Where is the best place to get a beer and fish and chips? My house in Taipa. I fish and dive right across Northland, and there's nothing better than enjoying the freshest catch at home with friends, family, and a cold one.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced in your life and how did you overcome it? Fatherhood. It's the most important thing I'll ever do but no amount of work can prepare you for it. It's not something you "overcome", you just do your best.
Why do you want to be Northland's MP? Because it's where I live and work, and because I have the right skills and local knowledge to make Northland a more prosperous place for all our kids to grow up.
Who is your political hero and why? John Key, because he is truly backing all New Zealanders to succeed and is a great example that through hard work and a positive attitude, anything is possible.
