Taupo

Name recognition can be a big advantage on the campaign trail and three-term MP Mark Burton should be able to rely on his familiarity with Taupo voters.

The Labour MP and cabinet minister extended his 1996 majority at the last election to claim 49.4 per cent of the vote, well clear of his rivals.

Those hoping to unseat him include Weston Kirton (National), John Harre (Alliance), Nick Fisher (Green) and Dianne Mulcock (Act).

Kirton has a high profile as a former Taumarunui mayor, but all candidates face a big challenge to become well-known in an electorate that takes in Waiouru, Raetihi, Turangi, Tirau, Putaruru, Tokoroa, Taumarunui and Taupo.

With above average unemployment and plans by Carter Holt Harvey for mass layoffs at the Kinleith pulp and paper mill in Tokoroa, the economy, industrial relations and social policies are to the fore.

Access to healthcare is also important to the rural towns in the electorate.

The Greens' Fisher may get more support this time in a region that relies on environmental assets to attract the tourist dollar.

Full news coverage:
nzherald.co.nz/election

Election links:
The parties, policies, voting information, and more

Ask a politician:
Send us a question, on any topic, addressed to any party leader. We'll choose the best questions to put to the leaders, and publish the answers in our election coverage.