Ardern talks to voters about weed, socialism and abortion

New Labour Party leader Jacinda Ardern joined Stuff for a live chat yesterday, answering questions sent in online by readers. Here are some of the highlights: Q: What is your stance on the current abortion laws?

A: I am on the record on this one – I feel very strongly that abortion needs to be removed from the Crimes Act, and our current legislation is due for review

Q: What are your views on the importance of mental health, and what are you going to change about our currently failing mental health system?

A: We’ve advocated for an entire review of mental health services. I also announced a while back that we want to see nurses in every single secondary school as part of comprehensive youth health teams to bring down our appalling youth suicide rates. It’s evidence based and works! Q: So you are a socialist? You led

a Socialist Organisation. I’m guessing you’re going to push for more socialist policies? A: I am a progressive. Q: What is your stance on the legalisation of marijuana?

A: I have always favoured the approach suggested by the law commission, which encourages a health based approach. I would have liked to see Parliament debate some of their recommendations at the very least. Q: Would you ever consider a coalition with National? I see nothing under MMP that would technically stop such a super coalition. A: Nothing to technically stop any arrangement of parties under

MMP, except for the obvious differences in values that the two major parties have. Q: What’s your stance on student loans?

A: I was part of the wee team that helped deliver interest-free student loans in 2005 – very proud of that policy. We have a plan down the track to make the first three years of study free; hopefully that will reduce the demand on loans. Ultimately, I believe in free education.

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.