Welcome to the first of a series of articles we intend to bring to you in the run-up to the General Election on September 23.
Today we profile all the local candidates contesting the seats in our Hanua electorate.
- Baljit Kaur-Labour Party candidate for Hunua
Baljit Kaur is chair of the New Zealand Sikh Women’s Association, an organisation that provides support for women and children who are victims of domestic violence in South and East Auckland communities.
Ms Kaur currently works as a medical underwriter for Southern Cross Health Society and believes that the Hunua electorate is experiencing growth pains.
“The issues that I consider crucial are concerning seniors and youth,” she says.
“I am excited to be the candidate for Labour in the Hunua electorate- together we can focus on bringing a positive change to New Zealand. Let’s do this!”
- Anthony Smith-ACT Party candidate for Hunua
Throughout the Hunua electorate (and other parts) there are large properties of land that can’t be developed because of red tape. ACT would cut red tape to allow at a minimum 600,000 new homes, believes Anthony Smith ACT Party candidate for Hunua electorate.
“We’ll free up enough land for 600,000 houses in Auckland. This is the kind of policy I got involved in ACT for. Seeing how much prices have gone up over the years I wondered how my generation would ever afford to buy. The ACT party can make it happen!” he says in his facebook post.
- Ian Cummings- Independent candidate for Hunua
A local family man, Ian Cummings is general manager of a company managing and operating major hazardous facilities. He also serves on the Pukekohe Christian School board as chairman.
Mr Cummings believes he has the right leadership and life skillset to effectively represent the voters of the Hunua electorate.
“While most people are not interested in politics, politics does not return the favour. I am an advocate for a reduction of politics in our every-day lives.
“By entering parliament as an Independent MP I would bring real change to the political landscape, blissfully free of establishment party politics and political correctness,” he says.
- Andrew Bayly-National candidate for Hunua
Andrew Bayly has been MP for Hunua since 2014. He currently serves as chair of the Local Government and Environment Select Committee and sits on the Finance and Expenditure Committee. Prior to entering Parliament, he was self-employed with businesses involved in finance and sustainable development. Since being elected, his key focus has been to improve access to good health services, support key local businesses, and lobby for infrastructure improvements. This advocacy has led to the Government’s announcement of a third main line between Wiri and Westfield. At a personal level, he’s always been passionate about the outdoors and last year completed a trek to the North Pole with his eldest son.
