Tight result predicted by candidates
Mike Watson catches up with the New Plymouth candidates on how the campaign’s been.
Jonathan Young (National MP):
‘‘It’s been a very positive campaign and there has been the chance to meet people and businesses at a wide range of events.
‘‘I will continue campaigning, getting out and meeting people until Friday night for a last ‘one on one’ push with voters.
‘‘There is a lot of interest in this election. People are keen to hear the choices available from National and Labour, including how the government’s tax cuts will affect incomes, and what Labour plan to reveal if elected.
‘‘They seem to be determined to restructure the economy by legislating tax changes but it is unlikely to take the country forward. I’m hearing a lack of confidence and uncertainty from Labour’s policies.
‘‘I feel the government has achieved a lot, including less unemployment, and more people off welfare and into work.
‘‘What the government has achieved will be a springboard to do more in the next term. The election will be tight, and the shape of the next government is quite critical, so every vote counts.
‘‘On Saturday night I’ll be at .jlthe Plymouth Hotel with supporters.’’
Corie Haddock (Labour):
‘‘I think we have achieved our targets and what we intended to do at the start of the campaign.
‘‘There’s been a lot of hard work from our team during the past month and I can feel the enthusiasm for a change of government.
‘‘It will be a tight result but people have become incredibly motivated with our message about health, education, employment, housing and youth. There’s been a real sea change out there since Jacinda became leader, and people sense there is a real opportunity for a change of government.
‘‘I will work up to Friday with a final push, and then go fishing on election day before meeting with supporters to watch the results.’’ Murray Chong (NZ First): ‘‘It’s been a good campaign in spite of starting later than the other candidates. But people know what I stand for so I haven’t gone out and waved my arms about.
‘‘It would be great to get two MPs for New Plymouth but I’m looking ahead to 2020 and if we get to be a coalition partner and prove ourselves then that’s what I’m aiming for. Our 25 per cent royalties levy will return $225m to the region over the next three years, that will be huge for the region. People want a fair say and want to be listened to.
‘‘I’m getting a feeling many want a change, not so much a change of government, but a change of how things are done.
‘‘A strong coalition partner like NZ First can help keep the government accountable.’’
Stuart Bramhall (Green Party):
‘‘I’ve been making a lot of calls to supporters in the New Plymouth electorate and in the central North Island to make sure people are getting out and voting.
‘‘I’ve also been reconnecting with people who I spoke to a few weeks ago and may still not be sure who to vote for.
‘‘I am finding a lot of young people need to be reminded to vote, and they don’t seem to have a good knowledge of MMP and how it works.
‘‘Many are scared the Green Party won’t get over five per cent so I’m explaining it’s better to tick the party vote.
‘‘I’m feeling many are getting bored and want the election over but I will be continuing to make phone calls to remind them to vote.
‘‘I’ll be at a private party on Saturday night with supporters waiting for results. Special votes from overseas usually help the party so it may be a few days before we know the final result.’’ Anneka Carlson (ACT):
‘‘The campaign has been great fun, a real learning curve for me.
‘‘There’s been some heated discussions at forums but all the candidates have got along fine.
‘‘I’ve been running my business and campaigning at the same time. I’m looking forward to Saturday night. There is a mood for change but not a change of government, more a change of how people want things done differently.
‘‘Many are happy with the present government but want more accountability, which ACT can bring to the coalition.
‘‘Affordable housing, better education and more job creation are the big issues in the electorate.’’
Basil Lawrence (Independent):
‘‘I’ve been fairly casual about the whole thing really.
‘‘I’ve found it’s better to leave it up to the candidates meetings and the media to get my message across.
‘‘There’s been some positive response to my policies from friends and people in the street but I can’t place any policy that stands out more than the others.
‘‘It will be a close finish between the two main parties, Labour and National, from what I’m hearing.
‘‘I haven’t made any plans for Saturday night, I might end up at the NZ First celebrations.’’