Youth, jobs key concerns

Painted red for almost 10 years, there is staunch support for Labour in Rimutaka.

It’s almost a given Labour will retain the electorate, which is centred on Upper Hutt but spans south to Naenae in Lower Hutt and north to the Rimutaka hills.

Talking to some of its 54,800 voters on the streets of Rimutaka, current MP Chris Hipkins is a household name. Many do not know who the other parties’ candidates are.

Taita’s Anita Martell is a firsttime voter in Rimutaka, having moved from the Hutt South electorate. She said the candidates in Rimutaka seemed less active than their Hutt South neighbours.

‘‘I don’t even know who the candidate for National is, or why I should vote for them.’’

Youth employment and engagement was a common concern among voters who were worried young talent was being lost to the area because of limited job and recreational opportunities.

Seila Petelu, of Upper Hutt, said most of her friends had to travel to Petone or Porirua for work, to shop and for appointments.

‘‘Travelling all the time really costs, and we don’t have enough left-over to save anything.’’

In the wake of the November earthquakes, Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy said resiliency was a big concern. ‘‘Upgrading State Highway 58 needs to be a priority … making sure the lifeline to Wellington is secure.’’

Voters were also mindful that first-home buyers were having trouble getting into the area.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace said housing was a crucial issue for Rimutaka. ‘‘Further support from the Government to increase the supply of housing and to help our local communities and youth to access education and recreational facilities would be money well spent.

‘‘Whoever the new government come September 23, they need to focus on these issues now.’’

There are also candidates standing for NZ First and the Conservative Party.

❚ Written by students from Massey University School of Journalism.