The Labour Party appears to have reinvented itself, with a number of new faces dominating its line-up for the election battle later this year.
If the 70-Member List, released on April 10 was any indication, the Party is keen to revitalise its image, scope and content, shuffling its men and women between ranks.
Departing Friend
Among the surprising omissions was Dr Ashraf Choudhary, who apparently opted to retire from political life.
Nonetheless, it was a surprise. Less than an hour before Labour Party President Moira Coatsworth released the Party List, Dr Choudhary sent us a text message, in which he said he was not seeking re-election and that he would say farewell to politics on November 26, soon after the polling is over.
Dr Choudhary was, until November 2008, the sole lawmaker representing people of Indian origin, including those from India and rest of the world, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, Nepalese, and migrants from the Middle East. As a Member of Parliament for nine years, he shouldered the responsibilities of carrying the woes and opinions of one of the fastest growing segments of the population.
We must also record the fact that it was solely his efforts that brought the then Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf to New Zealand on a State visit in June 2005 and a year later the Pakistan High Commission to Wellington.
As well as being the man of the people, for several years Dr Choudhary wrote a regular column in Indian Newslink and answered questions from readers on issues ranging from immigration and law and order to international affairs and ethnic issues. He has been a loyal friend and reader of this newspaper.
The man knew how to keep issues and secrets close to his chest. Less than two weeks ago, he was at our office for a cup of tea and other than inquiring about the progress of the newspaper, he did not give even an inkling of his decision to quit politics. He will remain a friend, but we will miss him in politics.
Community’s sole MP
Dr Choudhary’s departure would place the mantle of responsibility for tending to the needs of the entire Sub-Continent on the shoulders of Dr Rajen Prasad. As the sole Member of Parliament from Labour Party representing almost 175,000 people, the pressure on his time would be high. But his expertise and experience will keep him in good stead, helping him to add value to his Parliamentary role during his second term.
Ms Coatsworth said the Party’s 36-member Moderating Committee fought hard “to deliver strong new performers to represent New Zealanders.”
The newcomers include former Party President Andrew Little (No 15 on the List), Deborah Mahuta-Coyle (No 26) and Michael Wood (No 32).
She claimed that the List reflected New Zealand’s diversity, with strong new Maori, Pacific and Chinese candidates.
“We have a skilled team of strong campaigners who will fight hard for a Labour led government to deliver a fair go and opportunities to the many not the few,” she said.
Following is the List of Labour Candidates for Election 2011:
1. Phil Goff 2. Annette King 3. David Cunliffe 4. David Parker 5. Ruth Dyson 6. Parekura Horomia 7. Maryan Street 8. Clayton Cosgrove 9. Trevor Mallard 10. Sue Moroney 11. Charles Chauvel 12. Nanaia Mahuta 13. Jacinda Ardern 14. Grant Robertson 15. Andrew Little 16. Shane Jones 17. Su’a William Sio 18. Darien Fenton 19. Moana Mackey 20. Rajen Prasad 21. Raymond Huo 22. Carol Beaumont 23. Kelvin Davis 24. Carmel Sepuloni 25. Rick Barker 26. Deborah Mahuta-Coyle 27. Stuart Nash 28. Clare Curran 29. Brendon Burns 30. Chris Hipkins 31. David Shearer 32. Michael Wood 33. Phil Twyford 34. Stephanie (Steve) Chadwick 35. Kate Sutton 36. Jerome Mika 37. Iain Lees-Galloway 38. Josie Pagani 39. Lynette Stewart 40. Jordan Carter 41. Kris Faafoi 42. Christine Rose 43. Glenda Alexander 44. Susan Zhu 45. Rino Tirikatene 46. Sehai Orgad 47. Megan Woods 48. Mea’ole Keil 49. David Clark 50. Richard Hills 51. Anahila Suisuiki 52. Hamish McDouall 53. Louis Te Kani 54. Tat Loo 55. Soraya Peke-Mason 56. Julian Blanchard 57. Peter Foster 58. Pat Newman 59. Julia Haydon-Carr 60. Michael Bott 61. Vivienne Goldsmith 62. Nick Bakulich 63. Chris Yoo 64. Barry Monks 65. Hugh Kininmonth 66. Jo Kim 67. Paula Gillon 68. Carol Devoy-Heena 69. Ben Clark 70. Chao-Fu Wu
