Many of these issues are nationwide, such as freeing up land for development in industry, infrastructure and housing.
It is also about attracting business to our region that sits comfortably alongside other industry and so grows the pot.
New Zealand is a trading nation and Whanganui always has been a trading town, with Maori exporting from here since 1830.
Broad international ties with trading partners are why we are doing so well and growing so strongly compared to other developed countries.
It is why our average wage is up 26 per cent since National took office in 2008; it is why 370,000 jobs have been created since the height of the global financial crisis; it is why the cost of living is so low and things we need and want like cars, appliances, cellphones and other luxuries are so affordable.
The opportunities presented to us through trading with the world are immense.
We know that we won't get rich selling things to ourselves, but we might by selling to the rest of the world.
New Zealand, with 4.5 million people, actually feeds over 43 million with the extra food we produce and trade.
Our goods exported to China are now four times what they were prior to the free trade agreement and our wine exports to Korea have grown 30 per cent in just six months from signing a free trade agreement there.
Exports are worth $70 billion to our economy and the Government recognises how important this trade is to our businesses and how those same businesses still struggle to trade with other countries on a level playing field. But some political parties just don't get it.
They scorn industry, agriculture and trade with some countries and forget that, without agriculture and industry, we couldn't raise the money for free education, welfare, healthcare, policing services and the bells and whistles that go with a modern society.
They play middle class off against the others and blame the success of one social set for the state of those less fortunate.
But all communities necessarily have those with more and those with less.
They are not winners and losers because, in a society such as we have, everyone does comparatively well if the economy and environment are doing well.
Beware of the doomsayers and gloom merchants who will promise everything and give nothing in support of their promises, except to engender hatred for the rest.
All political candidates will speak to their supporters, but they need to be honest about it -- and no party's supporters all fit in the same box.
Those voting blue have concerns about green issues and those voting red do want to see businesses grow so they can employ more people and earn better wages.
Good luck come decision day.
