The cost of living has risen faster than at any time in the past 21 years and wages haven’t kept up.

The Tauranga Foodbank reported that the number of food parcels being issued each week is 60 per cent higher than this time last year with up to 50 people coming in each day for life’s essentials.

I remember what it was like growing up in a family when times were tough, and it seems as if history is repeating itself.

I see families now, in 2011, struggling to put food on the table and pay the bills just like my family and I did nearly two decades ago – that’s not good enough.

I have spent much of my professional life in politics and although I have learnt many skills which will aid me in being a competent MP, my political drive and my values come from my up-bringing.

When you grow up in a small town where unemployment is high, with a mum who was bringing up three kids on her own, you learn the value of education, decent jobs, a living wage and ensuring no matter who you are and how much money you have in your bank account you should be entitled to a fair go.

These are the political values I hold fast to, and what drives me to want to make New Zealand a better place to live in.

I also want to give a voice to my generation of Kiwis who face hurdles of their own.

I’m 30 and my husband and I are looking to buy our first house – and if it wasn’t for Kiwisaver it would be an impossibility. This is a reality for many Kiwis our age and it doesn’t seem right.

I put my hand up to stand in Tauranga because I believe Tauranga needs better, fairer representation in Parliament. An MP who will work hard to represent the interests of those living in Merivale and those in Mt Maunganui.

I am excited about being given the opportunity to become the MP for Tauranga and joining the Labour team after this years election.

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