I have proudly been the MP for Rongotai, formerly the Miramar seat, since 1993. The stunning Chatham Islands are part of the electorate and it is always a highlight of my year to visit the islands.

I’m originally from Murchison and trained as a school dental nurse and then became a tutor at the School of Dental Nurses in Wellington. I completed a BA from Waikato University while working full time. I was the MP for Horowhenua from 1984 until 1990.

I was a Minister in the 5th Labour Government for 9 years, with Health and Police being two stand out portfolios.

After the 2008 election, I was delighted to be appointed by my caucus colleagues as the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. I’m also the Labour Party’s spokesperson on Social Policy. A key issue for Labour is the welfare of all New Zealand children and I have made children the main focus in my portfolio area.

I believe the face of the Rongotai electorate has changed over the years. The light manufacturing businesses that used to dominate the area have been replaced by businesses based on information technology and the creative fields such as film. Over the last decade this has helped to retain jobs in the area and has been a lifesaver for many families. However unemployment, particularly of young people is of growing concern.

Retaining community health services in the Rongotai electorate is becoming harder to do as these vital services are rapidly being cut and the impact is affecting many in my electorate.

One of the challenges has been ensuring affordable and regular transport to and from the Chatham Islands by sea. Getting stock off the islands and keeping the diverse businesses on the islands going is an on-going battle. Another battle for the residents is the price of power. They face the dearest power prices in New Zealand.

I’m looking forward to debating the issues again in this year’s election and I’m happy to discuss any matters that my constituents are concerned about.

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