The candidates

Ginny Andersen, 42, Labour Party: Labour candidate for Hutt South

The Hutt is a beautiful place to live but we could make it better. I want to see every child in the Hutt go to sleep in a bed – in a warm, dry and safe home. I want us to swim in the river like we used to. I want our kids to grow up knowing they have a future here – that they can get a quality education and a job that pays enough to buy a house.

Chris Bishop, 34, National Party: List MP

I want to keep working hard for the Hutt. The Hutt is where I was born and raised and I want it to be the best place possible to live, work and play. I’mproud to be a champion for our great businesses, community groups and young people. I’mbacking the Hutt to be a hub of innovation, science and technology, and where all kids get a great start in life.

Alok Gupta, 49, New Zealand First: Editor/publisher

I strongly feel for my community and my party’s policies are the only true nationalistic policies that can intrinsically benefit each individual and New Zealand as a nation. I amcommitted to make New Zealand first, as the name says, in all spectrums of social wellbeing, which includes: health, safety, education, good public transport, affordable housing and better wages.

Virginia Horrocks, 72, Green Party: Eastbourne Community Board Chair

A strong Green Party vote in Hutt South is essential for the core Green Party values to be well represented. We take climate change seriously. Our economic plan would dramatically reduce our climate emissions and begin the vital process of protecting our communities. The Green Party speaks for those living here now and future generations.

Andy Parkins, 25, ACT Party: Accounts and logistics in recycling industry

I amasking for your party vote for ACT, which stands as the only party where individual freedom and responsibility are at its core, housing policy focused on encouraging and allowing people to build, and education that focuses on what’s best for our kids. ACT is guaranteed an electorate win. Every party vote for ACT counts towardmore MPs.