National’s man kicks off campaign
Lucy Bennett
National’s Northcote candidate, Dan Bidois, was first out of the blocks yesterday, launching his byelection campaign with party leader Simon Bridges and about 300 party faithful in attendance.
Bidois outlined his three campaign priorities — transport, fuel tax and housing infrastructure.
“I want to bring my economic credentials, my real-world experience and my determination to get results for Northcote,” he said.
Bidois did not believe residents were getting a fair deal from central Government. Transport was a big issue for Northcote residents, who he estimated would pay an extra $6.3 million for fuel excise and $5.3m in regional fuel tax, or $700 a year per family.
“We already have significant shortfalls in our own Auckland Council transport plan and I don’t believe we should pay more in regional and government fuel taxes to fund other parts of the city without getting anything for it.”
He also wanted to ensure intensified housing developments had the necessary infrastructure, such as carparks, wastewater drainage and sufficient schools and transport.
Labour’s candidate, Shanan Halbert, has also tagged transport as a priority. He will launch his campaign next Sunday.
Former Auckland mayoral hopeful Stephen Berry will contest the Northcote byelection for Act, it was announced yesterday.
Act leader David Seymour said Bidois and Halbert were “nice guys but they are offering more of the same tired ideas”. He said Northcote needed “a maverick to put their issues on the table”.
The Green Party has announced it will run a candidate, unlike NZ First.