Oliver Woods - RAM candidate for Auckland Central

Oliver Woods, Auckland Central candidate for RAM - Residents Action Movement, is wondering why Associate Transport Minister and absentee Auckland Central M.P. Judith Tizard is fiddling while the city faces transport chaos.

"Aucklanders are going to struggle to get into and out of the city, and even get to work and school tomorrow because of a sadistic Government decision to increase road user charges that is causing a truckers blockade tomorrow," said Oliver Woods.

"In the time of huge price increases, should the Government really be making truckers pay hundreds of dollars more each year for the mere privilege of being on the roads? Labour is punishing hard-working Kiwi truckers with increased charges and letting motorists swelter with increased petrol costs, yet is providing no serious alternative to the status quo."

Woods also expresses concerns at the inevitable reality of costs being passed onto consumers, with freight companies operating on already narrow margins. "The constituents in my electorate of Auckland Central, with their absentee MP, are going to suffer yet again because of a Government that has the wrong priorities with transport."

According to Mr Woods, motorists would be better served with a serious investment into infrastructure and an emphasis on self-sufficiency. "What's most important here is that we're forgetting the real solution to high petrol prices: free and frequent public transport! RAM believes New Zealand should take action to build greater self-sufficiency on our own petrochemical reserves, alongside a massive program of investment in public transport."

"New Zealand needs an efficient rail network to attract freight onto trains to take pressure off our roading network."

"We are also continuing to call for a serious and totally independent investigation into the entire petrochemical industry in New Zealand. If elected, I will make sure that we get a high quality public transport system that reduces our dependence on foreign oil, not the message of punishment and 'user-pays' free market economics that Labour and National preach from their ivory towers at the Beehive."

"I am offering a positive and simple solution to the challenges we all face from global warming. Voters in Auckland Central know the difference between talk and action!"

Oliver Woods is standing as an Auckland Central candidate in the 2008 elections for RAM (Residents Action Movement). As well as being a post-graduate student at Auckland University, he is also involved in a small IT start-up company.

RAM, a movement in the process of registration with the Electoral Commission, was formed into a national-level party just three months ago. After only a few months of existence RAM has 3,000 members, giving it a bigger membership than other parties currently represented in parliament (United Future, the Progressives and ACT). RAM's GST-off-food petition has attracted more than 15,000 signatures over the past two months.

In the 2008 general election, RAM will be contesting electorate seats around the country (including upwards of a dozen in Greater Auckland), as well as the party list vote. Its aim is to provide a strong broad left voice.

ends

© Scoop Media