Election focus

As the 2023 election gets nearer, the Marlborough Weekly asked each of our local candidates four open ended questions  This week, reporter William Woodworth asks Labour’s Emma Dewhirst and ACT’s Keith Griffith about some key issues.

What are the key issues for Marlburians specifically in this election?

Emma: Our school-leavers in particular struggle to get housing, jobs and transport. Community organisations work hard and Labour’s policies support many more apprenticeships as well as infrastructure developments (such as our new library/art gallery Te Kahu Waipuna and Picton Ferry Terminal).

Everyone, young and old, deserves a warm, dry, safe home – whether you rent or own. There’s no quick fix – shortages were not helped by National selling state houses last term - but we’re starting to see the benefits of Labour building new state homes – 57 due shortly in Blenheim alone. We’ve made renting fairer and house prices have returned to 2020 levels.

Keith: The values and common-sense approach that define New Zealand are under threat due to economic mismanagement and social division. A stark instance is the new library, which left numerous disheartened. While honouring our heritage is vital, a more inclusive balance must be struck.

Instead of spending extravagantly labelling everything in dual languages at Blenheim's public library, our priorities should be mending our ailing healthcare and education systems, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and improving our infrastructure to foster economic prosperity. Let us spend our money on stuff that really does make a difference, like fixing our roads! We need real change!

What are the key issues for New Zealanders in this election?

Emma: It’s a tough time for many of us, especially the cost of living and supporting communities devastated by recent floods. We are though moving in the right direction – employment is high; our economy grew 6% since pre-Covid and we will achieve budget surplus in 2025/26.

Free doctors for under 13s, free prescriptions & free school lunches ease costs on families. Winter energy payments keep our seniors warm. The Labour government prioritises the wellbeing of our people and environment.

Keith: Government should create a framework in which people who work hard and innovate are rewarded, while at the same time, those who are less fortunate are cared for. We are currently witnessing a surge in lawlessness, economic mismanagement, and societal division.

I talked to many locals at the Marlborough Home and Garden Show who said their three most significant concerns are crime, co-governance, and the cost of living. Instead of addressing these critical issues, the current government is recklessly managing our finances, stifling economic growth with excessive regulations, and fostering divisions among New Zealanders. ACT will deliver real change.

If you could implement one law change tomorrow, what are you choosing and why?

Emma: Removing GST from fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables helps make healthy eating more affordable. Alarmingly, sales of have dropped due to cost - we understand the health benefits, but sacrifices get made when the cost is too high.

A reduction in the prices will allow us to buy more. Healthier options mean healthier lives - fewer diabetes cases and heart disease, more energy. Nay-sayers doubt the saving is worth it - perhaps they’ve never had to return items at the checkout.

Keith: ACT is committed to implementing a Regulatory Standards Act. This legislation would scrutinise all regulations, with the Minister of Regulation compiling a report for the relevant portfolio Minister, identifying regulations that could be eliminated. The portfolio Minister must respond within three months, either approving the removal of the regulations or providing a public explanation for their retention.

When excessive regulations burden individuals with high costs, it stifles innovation and the No. 8 wire spirit. ACT's plan aims to reinvigorate this culture and encourage initiative in our society, promoting progress and prosperity.

If someone you meet isn’t interested in voting at all, how would you convince them to vote for you?

Emma: In our 2022 Marlborough council elections a single vote or two defined a councillor being in or out. In 1893, Kate Sheppard glued 546 sheets of paper together, coiled them around a broom handle, holding 25,519 signatures supporting women’s right to vote. It was wheelbarrowed into Parliament. Every one of those signatures counted - so does your vote.

As your MP I will bring fresh energy and delivery, make myself available and accessible and ensure I advocate strongly for you and our fabulous region.

Keith: I've encountered many locals who express their disinterest in voting, and I say to them, "Don't give up hope; don't give up on New Zealand." We can turn this around. Voting isn't just a right; it's a responsibility that safeguards our way of life. New Zealand's Western liberal democracy is at risk due to voter apathy driven by frustration with the major parties not serving their interests.

To preserve our freedoms and economic well-being, voting is vital. Without it, we risk becoming just another nation in the South Pacific. Voting empowers us to shape our future and protect cherished values. Use your power - vote for Real Change.