Although the next general election is at least a year away, Labour Party is gearing itself for a tough fight, if the recent developments are any indication.
Opposition Leader Phil Goff and his fellow Members of Parliament were at the Indian Newslink offices on June 25 to launch Electionlink (see our July 1 issue) – an event that has become traditional with both National and Labour over the past several elections.
A fortnight earlier, National Party Leader and Prime Minister John Key launched the first page of Electionlink in the presence of Ministers, Members of Parliament and officials and supporters of the Party.
Mr Key said his Party was confident of winning the election but warned that there was no room for complacency.
“Our policies and programmes have begun to accrue benefits to the people. We will continue to fulfil our 2008 Election promises,” he said.
Mr Goff said New Zealanders were tired of the National Government and would vote for a change in Election 2011.
“People are concerned over the rising prices, GST increase and a host of issues. Labour will be ready with strategies and policies, but we have plenty of work to do,” he said.
A week later (on July 3), Labour Party demonstrated its strength at a fundraising dinner held at the Winchester Club in Newton, Auckland. More than 200 supporters, representing a cross-section of the society attended the event and helped raise more than $80,000 through an Auction of paintings and artefacts.
“This was perhaps the biggest grosser ever in Auckland,” someone said.
The presence of Manukau Mayor Len Brown, who is running for the Auckland Super City mayoralty, also meant that Labour would campaign seriously for its candidate.
However, as this issue was under production, news was at hand that Labour had chosen electorate candidates for many of its constituencies around the country for Election 2011.
Following is the list:
Auckland Central: Jacinda Ardern; Christchurch Central: Brendon Burns; Dunedin South: Clare Curran; Hamilton West: Sue Moroney; Maungakiekie: Carol Beaumont; Napier: Stuart Nash; Ohariu: Charles Chauvel; Otaki: Darren Hughes; Palmerston North: Iain Lees:Galloway; Port Hills: Ruth Dyson; Rangitata: Julian Blanchard; Rimutaka: Chris Hipkins; Rongotai: Annette King; Tukituki: Julia Haydon-Carr; Waitakere: Carmel Sepuloni; West Coast (Tasman): Damien O’Conner; Whanganui: Hamish McDouall.
The following constituencies have posted single nominations, pending confirmation meetings, due to be held shortly:
Hutt South: Trevor Mallard; Invercargill: Lesley Soper; Mana: Winnie Laban; Mangere: Su’a William Sio; Mt Albert: David Shearer; Mt Roskill: Phil Goff; Nelson: Maryan Street; New Lynn: David Cunliffe; Te Atatu: Chris Carter; Te Tai Tokerau: Kelvin Davis.
Selection of candidates will be held in July/August at the following constituencies, where more than one candidate has been nominated.
Northcote: Paula Gillion, Richard Hills; Te Tai Tonga: Joanne McLean, Rino Tirikatene
National Fundraisers
The National Party is also organising a number of fundraiser projects. We were aware of two such events. The first, organised by East Manukau List MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, will be held on July 15 at 630 pm at the Cosmopolitan Club in Papatoetoe.
The second, organised by Mt Roskill MP Dr Jackie Blue, will be held on August 20 at 630 pm at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Mt Eden Terrace.
Mr Key, Ministers, MPs and National Party supporters will attend both events.
