NZ Election 2023

Ilam electorate

Ilam covers the area northwest of Christchurch and includes Avonhead, Bryndwr, Fendalton, Burnside and Upper Riccarton and part of Merivale. The seat is currently held by Labour's Sarah Pallett, who won comfortably with a margin of 3,463. In 2020, Labour won the greatest share of party votes in Ilam – 45% to National's 29%. Prior to 2020, National's Gerry Brownlee had held the seat since its establishment in 1996.

Ilam candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Mike Davidson

Green Party

Irinka Britnell

Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party

Hamish Campbell

National Party

Sarah Pallett

Labour Party

Raf Manji

The Opportunities Party (TOP)

Chris O'Brien

New Conservatives

Juanita O'Connell

DemocracyNZ

Irinka Britnell

Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party

Not currently in parliament

Why I'm standing

I am running for election to advance cannabis law reform and develop the cannabis economy worth billions of new taxes. Ignoring 1.4 million people who voted yes in the 2020 cannabis referendum is unjust and unfair, considering the hypocrites in parliament admit to using cannabis, yet are prepared to continue criminalising others using it recreationally. Regulation will reduce crime, freeing resources from police, courts, probation, costing millions per annum diverted into health, education, housing, social services.

About me

I am born, educated and work with my husband in our own accommodation business here in Christchurch. I belong to Englefield Residents Association regularly making submissions to the Christchurch City Council about saving heritage, trees, keeping rates down. I am a member of the Christchurch Multicultural Council representing Macedonia Culture Group. I dedicate my life to making this place a better world. I do not believe in selling the family silver or our sovereignty.

My priorities

  1. Legalise cannabis for R18 recreational use, saves millions per annum in police and court costs.
  2. Improve affordability of, and access to, medicinal cannabis. Currently too expensive through a doctor.
  3. Develop sustainable new tax, hemp industry. Government assistance for farmers to diversify.

Get across the policies, candidates and parties

Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2023 general election. Compare the parties, candidates and policies to see where you stand.

Policies

Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election

Candidates

See the electorate candidates running in your local area

Parties

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Things to know...

Your two votes shape New Zealand’s next parliament. You need to be enrolled to vote.

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  • Enrol to vote by Sunday 25 October

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  • Voting day is Saturday 7 November

    Head to your nearest voting place on the day, or vote early from 26 October.

  • You get two votes

    One for a party (the party vote) and one for a person in your area (the electorate vote).

  • Your party vote is the most powerful

    It decides how many seats each party gets in Parliament. That’s what Policy helps you figure out.