Labour candidate for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty speaking at the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce After Five meeting in the Black Stump Wednesday August 2.
Photo / Dave Murdoch
Labour candidate for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty speaking at the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce After Five meeting in the Black Stump Wednesday August 2.
Photo / Dave Murdoch
As a Masterton resident whose family has been there for generations, Labour candidate for Wairarapa Kieran McAnulty said he was very conscious of the need for government to support the provinces.
He joined the Labour Party Policy Council to develop a regional development programme, yet to be announced.
With decliningand ageing populations and a shrinking ratepayer base the regions need to have central government support.
"In 50 years when I'm 82 I hope we will have put policies in place to ensure rural New Zealand is a good place to live," he said.
Kieran works in this field as the Economic Development Officer for the Masterton District Council and is a volunteer fireman.
On Wednesday he discussed the Manawatu Gorge, saying although his party indicated a preference for a solution to emphasise its commitment to the East-west corridor, the ultimate choice is over to NZTA and local opinion, and it would not bypass Woodville.
Funding cuts in Mid Central Health affecting the Tararua would be rectified by an $8 billion injection into health nationally.
"Fringes generally feel the cuts when central funding is squeezed," he said. He hopes rural spending will raise services to reasonable expectations. You cannot attract businesses when services are not up to scratch," he said.
The promise of 1000 new policewould help halt the rural decline in staffing. He said a police presence is vital and the P epidemic has to be tackled.
With the One Plan Kieran said his party favours the focus on high end products marketed using New Zealand's 'clean, green' image. He cited Anchor Butter in huge demand in Ireland while he was there playing rugby.
"This means our rivers must be clean," he said. His party would create a Primary Producers Council so farmers can negotiate a compromise in farming practices with Government.
He said these and other promises had been costed and paid for partly by not having tax cuts. He predicted the Labour Government would be in surplus by 2021, including restarting payments into the National Superannuation Fund. He was asked about the recent leadership change.
