David Clark – Dunedin North

The Labour front bench met yesterday in Dunedin.  Reports say they had a productive meeting. 

Labour’s David Parker took the opportunity to distribute literature to the attending press-pack.  He gave them a copy of a previously unreported speech explaining what state asset sales under National would mean: higher power prices, and increased profits flowing offshore.  His jibe that leadership rumours had been a conspiracy to get the press-pack an undisturbed hour of reading-time on the homeward flight – went down well, I’m told.

On Monday evening we had a social event at the Kensington Tavern with around 100 supporters attending and rousing speeches from the MPs in attendance.  Everyone is focused on getting Labour elected – so we can get some progress on the big issues facing our country:

– The rising cost of living. Prices are rising faster than wages, and many families are struggling

– A Government that seems to have no plan for the economy

– National’s proposal to sell state assets, meaning higher power prices and profits heading offshore

– Labour’s plan to ensure every child has the best start in life. We need every citizen to contribute to society.

I attended some interesting meetings with my colleagues over the two days they were in town.  Colleagues from out of town got a picture of the challenges that are facing Dunedin.  Among others, we visited the excellent Otago Youth Wellness Trust; we visited the Dental School’s aging facilities, where our high-quality NZ dentists train; we spoke with representatives of the University and Polytech; we met with the DCC.   Some photos from the last couple of days are below. 

Photos below: Les Williams and I at the Kensington; Clare Curran, Grant Robertson, David Clark, Pete Hodgson outside the Dental School; Phil Goff and I on Princes Street on a perfect Dunedin day; Te Tai Tonga candidate Rino Tirikatene and I.