Latest news with #SamUffindell
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Opinion: it's clear they don't care about us
A strong Ōtepoti crowd recently turned out to hear Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick break down the Green Budget. Their engagement during our nationwide roadshow was clear. We heard, as we have across the motu, that the general election can't come soon enough. We heard it's time for the sun to set on this one-term government. We heard a clamouring for a government that puts people at the heart of decision-making. A government that delivers for everyone. A Green-led government. Whether their core concern is a robust, future-proof health system that works for all, warm cosy homes, or a restored Southerner passenger rail service between Invercargill and Christchurch, southern people are ready for action from a government that cares for the South. Because one thing is now abundantly clear about this coalition Government — they don't care about us. The Government's attack on Otago Polytechnic, the increasing homelessness, the delay, cost blowout and broken promises around our new Dunedin hospital, the rising cost-of-living crisis, the gutting of our research and science sector, the University funding cuts, and most recently Sam Uffindell MP posting falsehoods about the cost of the iconic seesaw in George St ... it adds up to an absolute disregard for our community here in Ōtepoti Dunedin. On the other hand, I'm so incredibly proud of the way people mobilise when this Government tries to gaslight us. We are a well-educated city, and region, and we care about our special place. That much was clear when we saw the mobilisation of 35,000 people on the streets for the new Dunedin hospital a year ago, and in the protests whenever the Government comes to town. Many people have been writing submissions to oppose legislation for fast-track projects that will destroy one of our iconic wine growing regions, and cause a toxic legacy for future generations to clean up. In contrast, the Green Party policies we have announced since December, 2024, put people back at the heart of political decision-making. Our Emissions Reduction Plan, He Ara Anamata, charts a path to cut emissions, restore biodiversity, and support communities — like through green infrastructure for South Dunedin. Our Green Industrial Strategy will scale up Jobs for Nature to boost environmental projects like the Halo Project. Our Green Budget addresses the challenges of climate change and wealth inequality together. And our Green Fiscal Strategy shows how we can choose economic rules that support the wellbeing of people and the planet. The future of our city and region is in our hands. Together, we have the power to change things. Together, we can invest in a future where our children and grandchildren can thrive. It's simply our choice.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Tauranga politicians remain outside the area, despite electoral boundary changes
Sam Uffindell is the MP for Tauranga, but lives with his family in Paengaroa, west of Te Puke. Photo: Supplied / Hagen Hopkins Both the both Tauranga mayor and local electorate MP live outside the area, and this will not change under the new electoral boundaries. But MP Sam Uffindell said living 20 minutes outside the electorate had not stopped him being able the serve his community. Boundary and name changes for the 2026 General Election were released by the Representation Commission last week . The Tauranga electorate - represented by Uffindell - expanded westward to the boundary with Coromandel, while losing Mt Maunganui to the renamed Mt Maunganui electorate, which is currently called Bay of Plenty and represented by Tom Rutherford. "We lose Mt Maunganui to the newly renamed electorate, but we are very fortunate to pick up the fantastic communities of Te Puna, Minden, and a big chunk of the Kaimais," said Uffindell about the changes. Other parts of the southern outskirts of Tauranga city move into the Rotorua electorate, currently represented by Todd McClay. RNZ approached Uffindell to see if the changes meant he was no longer living in the electorate - only to find out he never was. He lives with his family in Paengaroa, west of Te Puke. "I think the important thing for the people of Tauranga to know is that I can get there really quickly and if it means I have to leave a little bit earlier then that's exactly what I do," Uffindell said. Tauranga mayor Mahe Drysdale also lives outside of the area , about an hour away south-west of the city and near Cambridge. Drysdale had said he would move if elected but had not done so yet . Uffindell said he was always looking at properties within the electorate. "But it's a fine balance between family and schools and all of that," he said. Uffindell represented the National Party and said that every electoral cycle the party must reselect their candidate. He said he planned to stand for selection again. "I will seek selection later in the year to be the National Party candidate, and hopefully the good people of Tauranga elect me again to be their representative," he said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
