For me this leadership contest is about putting together the team that can win the 2014 election. It is only through winning that election that we can put in place the programme that will see the Labour values of fairness, equality and opportunity for all become a reality.
In my time as a member of the Labour Party I have done everything from being a branch member to being an MP. I have always tried to act in what I believe to be the best interests of the Party and the people we work so hard to represent. It is in that spirit that I am putting my name forward as Deputy Leader in this contest.
While we face significant challenges as we acknowledge our defeat at this election, this is also an opportunity to rebuild our party, both inside and out, and to be an active participant in our communities. I believe that our approach needs to be equal parts organisation and inspiration.
In terms of organisation I welcome the announced review of the Party. Our core values endure, I believe we have a strong policy platform, but we must look afresh at all aspects of our organisation. Some specific issues we need to address are the recruitment and nurturing of talent, particularly women, in the party and the process for selecting candidates both in constituencies and on the list.
From this base, we move from organisation to inspiration. We must listen and connect or re-connect with a wide range of New Zealanders. We need to hit the road and hear from New Zealanders about their hopes, dreams and show them that Labour is on their side.
Our campaign must begin immediately. The first steps are to enrol, engage and inspire the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders who did not vote at this election.
In politics I believe there are two fundamental emotions, hope and fear. There is much to be fearful of in the agenda of a visionless government that will see off our future and see the gap between rich and poor grow.
Where I believe Labour must do better is in inspiring New Zealanders. We must give them hope. Hope that we have the people and the plan that will support them in achieving their dreams, and look after them when they fail. Hope that we will make sure they get a fair go and that we will celebrate their success.
I believe I have the experience and political nous to make sure that our message is heard. I know that I can hold my own and best any of the National frontbench in Parliament and on the hustings. I believe I can connect and empathise with the wider NZ public. I can help unite the Caucus around our vision of a New Zealand as a country where everyone, no matter who they are is given the chance to achieve their potential and play their part in our success as a nation.
