In the lead-up to the election, Newshub is featuring profiles of some of the main candidates running in some of the most contested electorate seats around the country.
This week Newshub is looking at Ōhāriu in Wellington.
For three decades, Ōhāriu was held by Peter Dunne, an ex-Labour MP and former United Future leader. After Dunne retired from politics in 2017, Labour's Greg O'Connor swooped in and has held the seat ever since, winning by a landslide 12,000 votes last election.
This election, O'Connor is running an electorate-only race which means he is relying on winning the Ōhāriu seat to get into Parliament. The former police detective and ex-Police Association president said he is best equipped to continue to be an effective electorate MP.
But looking to end National's almost 40-year dry spell in Ōhāriu is Nicola Willis. The deputy leader of the National Party has propelled to political stardom in recent years and is poised to be the next Finance Minister if her party is elected to Government.
Meanwhile, the Greens have been running a strong campaign for seats in Wellington with two tick campaigns for Wellington Central and Rongotai. Stephanie Rodgers is aiming to add to the party's influence in the capital.
Rodgers has previously worked in Green MP Jan Logie's ministerial office in the family violence and sexual violence portfolio and is a strong advocate against rape culture.
Jessica Hammond, from The Opportunities Party, is also running for the seat. Hammond has run for Ōhāriu in the past two elections, coming in third both times.
Hammond, who also works as a policy advisor in the public service, is driven by wanting to make a difference in her community.
Johnsonville Shopping Centre was also a hot topic for the candidates. For decades, there have been talks about a re-fresh for the shopping centre.
O'Connor said if re-elected, he will resume his work to get decisions made to initiate work on the Johnsonville shopping centre.
Willis said she wants to push for faster action on the long-awaited mall revamp and Hammond said she would give the developers "the kick in the pants they need to get moving".
While Rodgers is also vying for a better mall in Johnsonville, she playfully remarks "I can't promise miracles".
Here's what Ōhāriu's candidates have to say:
Q: Why have you chosen to run for Ōhāriu?
Greg O'Connor: "I have chosen to run as an electorate only MP as I believe the skillset I have built over many years working as a police Detective, running a $40 milion a year organisation and being a director and chair of numerous boards and committees best equips me to be an effective electorate MP. These skills have been enhanced by six years as existing MP.
"Also, a year as deputy speaker presiding over the debating chamber has given me an understanding of parliamentary processes I would not have had an opportunity to learn but for being in that position."
Nicola Willis: "Because I’m a proud Wellingtonian who wants to stand up for the people of our community. I relate strongly to the families and workers of Ōhāriu who want a lower cost of living, more affordable mortgages, better infrastructure and more reliable public transport services.
"Ōhāriu deserves an influential MP who can deliver results and that’s what I would be."
Stephanie Rodgers: "First off, because I live here! Our first home was in Newlands and we now live in Tawa with our two-year-old.
"Secondly, because I think Ōhāriu deserves strong, progressive representation in Parliament.
"Thirdly, because we need to get the Green Party vote out to ensure our next Government takes real action on climate change, poverty, housing and upholding te Tiriti o Waitangi."
Jessica Hammond: "Ōhāriu has been my home for almost 17 years. This is more than a 'winnable electorate' to me; I love this community and would be proud to represent us in parliament. TOP is prepared to work with any party in parliament. We can stop the endless left/right shuffle, and get the country moving forwards."
Q: What is the first thing you will do for your electorate if voted in?
Nicola Willis: "Establish a top-notch electorate office that the people of Ōhāriu can turn to for action on their issues and concerns, including for example - escalating problems with local public transport to get solutions, advocating for school building projects to ensure they get the priority they deserve, resolving individuals issues with Government agencies and pushing for faster action to improve Johnsonville Mall."
Stephanie Rodgers: "I'm tempted to make a joke about fixing the Johnsonville Mall here, but in all seriousness: I would connect with our Mayor and city and regional councillors to find out the best way to use my role as MP to get actual progress on public transport, housing and climate resilience projects in Ōhāriu."
Jessica Hammond: "All the biggest problems in our electorate- unaffordable housing, high cost of living, the crumbling Johnsonville Mall, falling school rolls- are caused by the bizarre and dysfunctional tax system we have in this country. TOP’s tax switch gives everyone lower income taxes, while our land value tax makes housing affordable and would give the Mall developers the kick in the pants they need to get moving."
Greg O'Connor: "If elected, I will immediately resume my work to get decisions made to initiate work on the Johnsonville shopping centre. I will also work with the local Johnsonville Business group to initiate work on a sports hub for Raroa Park."
Q: What is your long-term goal for the electorate?
Stephanie Rodgers: "I want Ōhāriu to be the best electorate in Wellington, with thriving communities and strong public services and facilities. The part of Wellington people choose to buy their first home, raise their family and start their business. And probably get a better mall in Johnsonville, but I can’t promise miracles."
Jessica Hammond: "My vision is for a thriving community, where people can get around quickly and safely, with thriving businesses, safe parks and pools, abundant native wildlife and lots to do for young and old."
Greg O'Connor: "My long-term goal is to ensure there is sufficient infrastructure and housing to enable young people, in particular, to afford to own property in the electorate, ensuring we have the young families to keep the electorate thriving."
Nicola Willis: "I want to ensure delivery of National’s plan to build a new road between Grenada and Petone, to reduce travel times for people coming in and out of Ōhāriu and to open up land for up to 5500 much-needed new homes."
Q: What did you do before politics?
Jessica Hammond: "I still have a day job! Politics is a purely a voluntary gig for me; I do it because I believe that’s how I can best made a difference to our community and our country. I’ve been a policy adviser in the public service for about 20 years."
Greg O'Connor: "I was a police officer and detective for 41 years, the last 20 as president of the Police Association. That is a $40 million-a-year organisation with a large property portfolio that provides a wide range of services to police and their families. I was also chair of the international body of police representative organisations with 1.5 million members. I also served for 15 years on the board of Hohepa Homes which provides residential services for Intellectually Disabled people."
Nicola Willis: "I worked in senior management roles at dairy co-operative Fonterra, worked alongside Sir Rt Hon John Key and Sir Rt Hon Bill English and working across several retail jobs - including selling shoes, clothes and bagels."
Stephanie Rodgers: "I'm a word nerd: I’ve been a public sector communications advisor, a Parliamentary press secretary and a union campaign manager. I'm a feminist: I've organised protests against rape culture, served on the board of Wellington Rape Crisis and fought for abortion law reform. And I'm a geek: my partner and I met at the Victoria University games club and now run a YouTube channel reviewing board games."
