Labour’s return divides the region
The dawn of a Labour-led Government has divided people in Taranaki, with some commiserating and others celebrating the country’s change of leadership.
The change has rocked the region’s farming community. David Reeve, of Inglewood, said the government needed to dump its proposed irrigation tax which could see farmers shelling out a royalty of 2c/1000 litres on irrigation water. ’’No one’s happy around here, we’ve heard that many grizzles and groans from the farmers,’’ he said.
One Tarata farmer, who asked not to be named, said: ‘‘Labour has never looked after the farmers.’’
One place that was happy was Waitara, which proved to be a Labour stronghold. Longtime Labour supporter Wiremu Wilson cheered at the news. ’’They’re for the family. It was time for a change.’’
Jayne Hellier-Hati noted Ardern’s ability to boost Labour’s profile when she stepped into Andrew Little’s shoes as leader, and believed she would manage the country just as effectively.
But one New Plymouth woman believed it was an election based on personality and not policy.
‘‘National got us through all of the crisis and in a good place and Jacinda came in and she’s attractive and personable and that swayed votes,’’ said Michelle Whitmore. ‘‘It will be interesting to see if they can follow through.’’
Carson Botica and his partner moved to the region from Auckland four months ago in search of a better life.
Both on low-incomes he said they had struggled with the cost of rent in Auckland and aspired to become homeowners. ‘‘I’ve seen the worst of the country living in Auckland,’’ he said. ‘‘There were too many social issues. But Jacinda cares.’’
Nor Aziz, of New Plymouth, said she preferred a National-led Government but was happy with any party who would ‘‘try their best for New Zealand.’’ But she feared possible cuts to immigration, saying the country needed people.
Waitara’s Jamie-Lee Vig said she hadn’t hoped for a Labour-led Government, but she also ‘‘didn’t mind.’’ In her last year of tertiary study, Vig knew the strain of paying for education and welcomed Labour’s proposal of a free first year of post-secondary education.
Nicky Kuklinski summed up the frustration of many.
The Inglewood woman was exasperated the National Party retained the majority of the country’s votes, yet the underdogs were now set to lead.
‘‘It’s not what New Zealand wanted,’’ she said.
‘‘But there’s nothing we can do about it now.’’