KEY POINTS:
United Future's aim of promoting strong families is embodied in the Solomons of Auckland - four are standing as candidates for the party in next month's election.
Former Manukau City councillor Arthur Solomon is seeking election in Rotorua, wife Maretta in Christchurch East, son Selio, 35, in Mangere and daughter Talei Solomon-Mua, 36, in Te Atatu.
While it is not uncommon for different generations of the same family to stand for Parliament, it is rare to have them running simultaneously and even more unusual to have four at one time.
"We debate as a family but it's no use people barking from the sideline, disgruntled about things," Arthur Solomon told the Herald at the United Future launch at The Library Cafe in Onehunga yesterday. "That's why we get very involved in politics."
He said that while his family were campaigning largely to increase United Future's party vote, Selio was hopeful of doing well with the constituency vote in their local electorate of Mangere.
He said his family used to support Labour and previously helped MP Taito Phillip Field to campaign in Mangere, but they had now switched to United Future.
He said Mr Field's "issues" - which include the Pacific Party leader facing bribery and corruption charges at trial next year - contributed to the shift, but prostitution law reform and the introduction of civil unions under Labour also played a part for the "pretty staunch" Christians.
United Future leader Peter Dunne yesterday reaffirmed the party's commitment to parents and families.
Mr Dunne unveiled a plan for zero fees for tertiary education from 2010, subject to students getting to a set level of academic achievement.
Under the proposal, student allowances would be scrapped to offset the cost but students could borrow up to $150 a week for living costs, and interest-free loan repayments would be retained.
Mr Dunne said the party was pushing for tax reform to shift rates and allow income splitting for parents with dependent children aged under 18.
"It seems bizarre that current tax law allows partners to split income if they are in a business together, but does not allow them that privilege if they are jointly running a household, arguably the most important business of all."
With the party consistently polling less than 2 per cent, United Future is dependent on Mr Dunne winning his seat of Ohariu in Wellington for its political survival.
