2. WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?

It’s a tie: my mother for her strength of character, work ethic and entrepreneurialism, and my late father for his humour, appreciation of simple pleasures, and independent thought. action on climate change and ending poverty will be good for everyone in New Zealand, including Nelsonians.

Locally our policies will make it easier for Nelsonians to get into a home. We’ve been calling for a capital gains tax on property (family home exempt) since 2002 because it will help to get speculators out of the market. Stopping people who are not New Zealand citizens or permanent residents from buying property will also help.

We’ll introduce a Warrant of Fitness on rental properties because not only will it reduce the number of people living in substandard housing, it will also discourage speculators.

More money for health will make a difference to thousands of lives and a national inquiry into mental health services will get to the bottom of what’s gone wrong in this vital sector and help us fix it.

We also want to see public transport in Nelson finally taking off by increasing its funding and making it free for the under-19s all the time, and free for students and apprentices off-peak.

A particular passion of mine is seeing the waterfront developed into a place that is safer and more welcoming without destroying the Railway Reserve.

Finally, if I’m elected Nelson’s MP, I’ll bring new energy and fresh ideas to the role that will serve the electorate well. It’s 2017 – it’s time for a change.