NZ needs a different kind of politics or we are going to lose this great country. I'm not a politician, but our country needs ordinary Kiwis to stand up right now and get things back how they need to be.

I'm a man of the land in NZ. A sheep shearer for more then 30 years, and shearing instructor, and also experienced with orchard management. Now I want to use that real life experience to work for and help the people of Taieri and NZ, to turn this thing around.

This election is incredibly important. Jacinda Ardern's Labour-led response to Covid-19 saved lives, livelihoods and our sense of community. Our biggest national issue now is when to open the borders, and I trust only Labour to make evidence-based decisions which put people first. Those who see the health and economic responses as separate issues will risk the lives of New Zealanders. Labour will lead a recovery that's fair to everyone and that will ultimately help close the inequality gap.

I'm a mother-of-three with proven experience in law, journalism and public service. I've owned my own small business and know the difference that stable leadership, health and safety, and economic security makes to our lives and our children's lives. My Dad's working-class background and values, and family involvement in the union movements that shaped NZ, make me proud to call Dunedin South home and to seek to represent the many diverse communities which live within the Taieri boundaries.

I believe New Zealand has a secret weapon for Covid-19 recovery – Its farmers and primary producers can feed the nations and bring wealth back to our nation. As a nation, we need a strong rural backbone and government policy must encourage and support this in every way possible. Successive governments have failed the primary industry. Rural communities have not been supported with adequate healthcare. Carbon and methane taxes are coming in. Farmers have been painted the villain by faux science.

I have worked all my life in rural communities throughout New Zealand. I have had experience at a management level in sheep, beef, dairy, deer, rural training and ag contracting industries. I have project managed dairy conversions and passed on my skills to the next generation of young farmers. I have also worked with disadvantaged youth in rural communities, so I am very aware of the challenges they face. I believe a strong family unit will give a child the best start possible.