New Zealand’s demography has changed over the past two decades and Pakuranga is among the suburbs, which reflect such a change.
The Pakuranga electorate in East Auckland has transformed itself into a truly cosmopolitan suburb with a growing multi-ethnic population, characterised by cultural diversity.
It is natural that the needs of the electorate and the aspirations of the people have also changed over the past two decades.
It is important and imperative to address those changes, support, and serve the people to achieve their professional and personal goals.
There is a need to bring about a change on the political landscape of this important electorate and make it dynamic and responsive to growth.
Any meaningful change should begin at the political level, with a Member of Parliament who is a true representative of the people.
I am looking forward to making a difference in Pakuranga. I am meeting the communities to understand the issues that confront them and if elected, I will carry their voice to Parliament.
The prolonged Auckland-Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) project should be taken up on priority to improve road network, ease the congestion and facilitate smooth traffic flow. I have heard many people saying that they need an efficient and modern transport system including an urban bus way, development of the Ferry Terminal at Half-Moon Bay, a flyover near Reeves Road and widening of the Waipuna Bridge.
The residents in the electorate are also concerned about coastal erosion and preservation of the coastal areas.
There is then the Thurston Place College, which was put on hold when Labour MPs intervened. The Government must respect the wishes of the people until the “real consultation” has taken place with the community. The National Government and the Education Minister have not acted in good faith.
In the hour of need, the people of Pakuranga will find me standing by them; when it comes to listening to the community, they will always see me fronting them and not backing out.
I am sure they want progress and not stagnation or regress.
They deserve better, they deserve more.
I look forward to serving them if they elect me to represent them in Parliament.
Sunny Kaushal is Labour’s candidate for the Pakuranga Constituency.
Campaign launched
Labour Leader Phil Goff launched the election campaign of Sunny Kaushal at the Trinity Methodist Church on Pakuranga Road on September 10. Among those present were MPs David Cunliffe, Ross Robertson, Dr Rajen Prasad, David Shearer, Carol Beaumont, Sua William Sio and Raymond Huo.
Pastor Reverend Bastianpillai Prince Devanandan and representatives of community and social welfare associations were also present.
Mr Goff said his Party would campaign on a number of issues, including tax-free status for all for the first $5000, removal of GST on fresh fruits and vegetables, a better fiscal management, repayment of all foreign debt and progressive policies to augment growth and development.
“We will not sell our state-owned, well performing assets. They belong to the people and constitute our wealth. Selling them will be losing them forever,” he said and added that a number of other policy initiatives would be placed in the public domain shortly.
