It is a great pleasure and privilege to stand for Parliament in Christchurch Central for NZ First party at a very crucial time as Christchurch goes through the stage of rebuilding following devastating earthquakes.
As a victim of the earthquake, with a severely damaged house and physically injured by falling rubble, I know the pain, sorrows and heartbreaks of the people of Canterbury.
I am absolutely committed to stand with Cantabrians for a fair rebuilding of our city – a mammoth exercise focused on reconstruction of the broken lives of people across the region. Nothing much has happened so far.
Even after four years into the tragedy, our people are struggling to get food on table and a roof over their head. This should not happen in this First World country, while Japan is half way through its rebuilding after experiencing an equally devastating earthquake and tsunami long after Christchurch.
Personal Challenge
It was in 1996 that NZ First had an electorate candidate in Christchurch Central. The Party did not even have an Electorate Committee for the past 18 years and therefore it is very challenging for me without manpower and resources to make a good campaign.
I am standing against a Crown Minister of the ruling National Party and a candidate from the Labour Party which has held the seat for the last 68 years (except the current term).
It is therefore a formidable challenging for a NZ First candidate.
However, I deem it as a great opportunity to step in, meet people and explain to them about NZ First and its principles and ideals.
NZ First Ideals
The Party’s policy of removing GST from food and Council Rate are being very-well received. I am excited to remind people that NZ First is absolutely committed to keep the ‘size and shape’ of our Nation, while the National Government has already sold one million hectares of farms to overseas owners, six times size of Stewart Island.
I also tell Cantabrians that if I get elected, I will bring two Private Member’s Bills and seek cross-party support – Free Basic Dental Care in public hospitals and Statutory Employment Reservation for the physically and mentally challenged New Zealanders.
I am asking everyone in Christchurch Central to give me their electorate vote and everyone around New Zealand to give their Party vote for NZ First, the political Party that stands exclusively for the interests of New Zealand.
Dr George Abraham is the NZ First candidate for Christchurch Central. A native of Kuruppanthara in the State of Kerala, he writes with passion on a number of political, economic and social issues. He is a tireless worker, evincing interest in medical research, teaching and journalism. A keen social worker, Dr Abraham always connects with the community, participates in their programmes and promotes their activities locally and through Indian Newslink for the wider audience.
NZ First Leader Winston Peters with the Party’s Christchurch Central candidate Dr George Abraham at the Party Convention held in Auckland on July 20, 2014.
