Green Party candidate for Rotorua announced

Richard Gillies has been named the Green Party's Rotorua electorate candidate.

The Green Party has announced it will stand its first Rotorua electorate candidate since the 2008 general election.

Local man Richard Gillies has been selected by the Green Party to be its Rotorua electorate candidate for this year's general election.

He will take on incumbent Rotorua MP and cabinet minister Todd McClay, Labour candidate Ben Sandford and New Zealand First candidate Fletcher Tabuteau.

The last time the Greens stood a candidate in Rotorua was when Raewyn Saville challenged for the seat in 2008.

Mr Gillies said he was delighted to have been selected and "over the next few months I'll be working hard to help get the Greens into government on September 23 and bring about positive change for all New Zealanders".

"The 2017 Green Party list is stacked with talent, youth and experience, and our MPs have always had a deserved reputation for getting things done even while on the cross-benches," he said.

Mr Gillies, 43, and his young family have called Rotorua home since 2006.

He is an ecologist, co-owner of an organic horticulture business, and is also involved with local sustainability initiatives Green Drinks Rotorua and Rotorua Cycle Action.

Rotorua can be at the forefront of New Zealand's transition to a low-carbon economy, but needs joined-up policies in government to unlock that potential, he said.

"To address climate change, water quality, and re-build a fair and inclusive economy, we need more forests and wood products, renewable energy, sustainable transport and a skilled work force to drive it.

"With tourism, forestry, and geothermal resources at its heart, Rotorua can really showcase what is possible."

He said none of this could happen without access to the basics of life such as healthy food and safe, affordable housing.

"I want my kids and all young New Zealanders to know that if they work hard they'll be able to buy or rent a well-insulated, healthy home or apartment, from within their own means.

"They are light-years from having that choice right now."