It has been a privilege to be your MP for Mangere where I live and raise my family. I am able to stay connected with the people of Mangere and see first-hand what families aspire for through my regular contacts with a variety of community groups, churches, schools, sports clubs and clinics in my Electorate Office. These regular engagements give opportunities for people to raise issues with me, and it gives me an opportunity to hear how we can work together to build a better future for everyone. I am proud to have won the seat of Mangere in 2008 and I love to promote it as “the Gateway to the nation, the land of the young, beautiful and gifted”. I use this expression at every opportunity I get to project to the public how passionate I feel for the youth of today - they are future leaders of our families, community, our churches, our businesses and indeed our country. This statement also reflects the reality of the high youth population in Mangere and the wider Manukau region. It conveys my belief in how important it is for New Zealand as a whole to invest our time, energies and sufficient resources to ensure that the youth of today are well prepared to become future leaders of Aotearoa and to release their fullest potential. I will continue to support and champion the needs and aspirations of our young people. Labour’s policy on education, jobs, training and skills development are fundamental to ensuring today’s youth are well position for the future.

I will continue to advocate strongly for the many different groups of people living in Mangere to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect., irrespective of race, age, culture, gender and religious belief. We all have a responsibility to work together in building a strong, safe and vibrant society where innovation, creativity and success is encouraged, supported and celebrated. Where families have incomes to sustain themselves. Where the elderly, sick, disabled and poor are protected and look after. Where our children have the opportunity to dream big dreams and aspire for successful futures.

Mangere is a strong, diverse, vibrant and progressive electorate. With the right support from central Government, we can do much more to enhance these strengths, build our economy, strengthen our community and increase the socio-economic well being of everyone. I will continue to work, champion, advocate for improvement and changes in the following areas:

Education, Training, & Skills Development

This is the key to the future for all our families and our country. We need to build a culture of life-long learning from early childhood education to tertiary level, through and beyond working life. Our youth should be supported, encouraged and promoted to release their fullest potential.

Languages, Cultures & Art

The protection and promotion of Maori and Pacific languages, cultures and arts is critical to building thriving and prosperous communities. Bilingual children have an academic advantage that enhances their world view and creates better understanding between peoples. Investing in dance, film, art and other creative mediums leads to innovation, job & wealth creation, tolerance, respect and stronger identities.

Entrepreneurship, Work & Wages

The Auckland International Airport is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s rising economic centres with wineries, restaurants, hotels, distribution centres, logistic hubs, manufacturing. Better policies to encourage innovation and R&D, and introduction of a Capital Gains Tax, minimum working standards and improved union & employer relations, can all contribute to improved productivity.

Trains, Public Transportation & Strong Economy

A strong economy not only requires innovative entrepreneurship and fairness in the workplace, but also a public transportation infrastructure which includes trains from the airport to Manukau and the City centre, to not only ensure the efficient movement of goods, but the free and easier movement of people. Strong central Government support for the Auckland Mayor’s vision is an important ingredient in this work.

Peace, Respect and Tolerance

Peace, Respect and Tolerance just doesn’t happen by itself. They must be pursued, nurtured, enhanced and promoted. It requires all of us collectively working to build greater understanding between churches, cultural groups and continually aiming to have peaceful and harmonious working relationships. We have to also respect the rights of one another and recognise diversity as a strength. We should stand together to protect our community against the unhealthy and harmful impact of alcohol, drugs, prostitution, gambling, scams, loan sharks, crime and violence.

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