Nania Mahuta
The role of Labour Leader is a high stakes position. Labour requires someone who can rebuild the Party's support base and reconnect with the voting public. In order to learn more about each of the leadership candidates: Andrew Little, Grant Robertson, Nanaia Mahuta, and David Parker, I asked each of them the following questions.
Which New Zealand Prime Minister living or dead would you have lunch with and why?
Norm Kirk I grew up hearing stories about him and you felt that he could have been your uncle – someone with a common touch and I guess it would be more like a beer and possibly a pie that he would want for lunch. A simple gesture captured in the well known photo with child in hand showed that he was prepared to look beyond cultural stereotypes to forge a vision of hope and opportunity.
What is you favourite book of all time?
The Mitford Sisters, so far a very interesting family. It just goes to show that even though you might be raised in the same household, political opinion is not confined. I like the fact that by and large these women were not defined by their gender.
What are you reading at the moment?
Reading for purpose at the moment papers relating to children's health and wellbeing and the Maori economy.
What motivated you to enter into politics?
The change of the political system coincided with political activity occurring in my tribe and the Waikato Raupatu Treaty Settlement. When I stood for selection I was the only woman with four other male contenders. The rest is history as I have served in Parliament since 1996, and from 1999 I have been an electorate MP. My main motivation has been continuing to advocate for the opportunity arising from the Treaty Settlement process, education and skills training opportunities for our young people and the wellbeing of women and children.
If you were Prime Minister what is the first thing you would do?
Implement the Living Wage, abolish secondary tax, raise company tax and implement research and development tax credits.
What are the three key attributes politician needs to be a successful Labour Party leader?
To Listen, To engage in meaningful ways with people in their communities, To identify the problem needing to be solved, To request accurate information and to make a decision.
What do you think have been the most significant changes to New Zealand politics over the past ten years?
Declining rate of participation in our democratic system and the erosion of public confidence in the political process due to lack of transparency or ‘public voice’ in decision-making (for example TTPPA and RMA).
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