Maori Party candidate for Ikaroa-Rawhiti Marama Fox

Maori Party candidate for Ikaroa-Rawhiti Marama Fox. PHOTO / File

Marama Fox
Maori Party candidate for Ikaroa-Rawhiti

Why should people vote for you?

Since 2014, I have established a strong track record of providing an independent Māori voice, bringing gains for our whānau in Ikaroa-Rāwhiti. Successive governments have pushed aside Māori interests, wants and needs for too long. A vote for me is a vote of faith in ourselves as Māori.

What is the single most pressing need in your electorate?

Unemployment is higher in Ikaroa-Rawhiti than in any other region in our country. I've advocated for better job opportunities for whānau, and continue to do so beginning with our recent announcement of our IwiRail policy. This policy will provide one job in the communities for each job created in the railways. We are also talking with iwi and investors to assist with regional development and housing.

What's your top strength for this role?

My top strength for this role is to be perceptible to the issues our constituents in the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate face daily. As an educator and mother I have been proactive throughout the motu building resilience and hope amongst our people. What they see is what I see.

Who's your most respected New Zealand politician (living or dead) and why?

Our iwi are full of leaders, particularly our female leaders and there are so many others out there yet to stamp their mark for our communities. For me, Donna Awatere stands out, and her quote "the Māori language provides a window into our culture" resonates highly with me.

What's the biggest risk you've ever taken?

It would have to be working with the National Party. We have lost support, our people have shown great disdain, yet we have still managed to secure more gains for Māori than the Labour Party.