Michael Wood –
I have a belief, unfashionable perhaps, that politics can be a force for good.
Yes, bad decisions are sometimes made, but when people with a common vision join together to work and organise around an idea, so much good can be achieved.
Over the course of our history it has happened time and time again – think about the achievement of India’s Independence, or here in New Zealand the establishment of our world-leading public health and education systems.
These were achieved by people working together with a political vision.
Politics needs to be about more than making technical decisions or just doing what the latest polling tells you. The very best leaders listen to the people around them, but are also driven by a strong set of values and ideas.
Missing leadership
My concern about the current National government is not that it is made up of bad people or that every policy is bad, rather it is a feeling that there is no clear leadership or vision.
The government is very good at managing the political situation, but in the meantime many key issues continue to drift while people wait for action.
Housing is the clearest example. Average house prices in Auckland are now over $1 million, locking most ordinary people out of the dream of home ownership; yet there is no decisive leadership or action from the government.
The starting point should be a clear vision – that every New Zealander deserves a warm dry home, and that ordinary people who work and save hard should be able to afford a home of their own.
Working out from there, it is the job of the government to show leadership to deliver the vision. In this case, there is a clear need to build more affordable houses and to crack down on rampant speculation.
Human dignity
The core beliefs that drive my vision for a stronger and fairer New Zealand are simple.
I believe that there is an essential dignity and value in every human being, that we all do better when we live together in community, and that the earth we live on is a gift to be cared from, not abused.
I stand for Labour, because, over its history, Labour governments have most consistently represented my values, showing the leadership and vision that I believe our country needs.
I believe in progressive government that is always looking forward and making long-term decisions in the interests of the many.
New Mayor
I congratulate my good friend Phil Goff on winning the Auckland Mayoralty.
I have worked closely with Phil for over 13 years and I know him to be a person of outstanding character, with a huge work ethic.
He is the right person to lead our city.
I hope to do his legacy justice as the new Labour candidate for Mt Roskill.
You are welcome to contact me on 022-6596360; Email: michael.wood@labour.org.nz
Facebook Page (mwoodnz)
Michael Wood is Labour Party’s candidate at the forthcoming election at Mt Roskill in Auckland. The election, the date for which was being determined at press time, was to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of incumbent Phil Goff, who was elected to the post of Mayor of Auckland City on October 8, 2016. Please read our Editorial, “Welcome Phil, may the battle begin!”
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Photo Caption:
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, has tapped on the shoulder of Michael Wood. Will he keep the new hat?
