Heather Roy For Wellington Central

ACT Deputy Leader and Wellington-based MP Heather Roy today announced that she will stand as the ACT New Zealand candidate for Wellington Central in the upcoming 2008 General election.

"I am delighted to be contesting the Wellington Central seat for ACT in 2008 - this is the electorate in which my family and I live, and it is the one I want to represent," Mrs Roy said.

"Without a doubt, Wellington Central is the most interesting and high-profile electorate in the country. With its focus on education, culture of promotion based on merit, and the arts - as well as sport - Wellington Central's values reflect ACT values.

"For too long, Wellington Central has been taken for granted under a Labour MP and a Labour-led Government. This has led to a lack of investment in infrastructure within the electorate and the wider Wellington Region - which has also suffered poor economic performance when compared to the national average.

"Issues important to Wellingtonians - largely ignored by the incumbent - include roading - notably inner-city congestion and the ongoing saga of Transmission Gully; infrastructure; the serious problems that continue to plague Wellington Hospital; the environment; public transport; rising rates; spending and leadership; crime … the list goes on.

"This will not change as long as Labour views Wellington Central as nothing more than a safe 'red' seat. Only when this seat is marginal will Wellington Central see the investment and progress it so richly deserves.

"Former ACT Leader Richard Prebble won the seat in 1996. Like him, I will take Wellingtonians seriously and battle on their behalf.

"Labour's approach of telling people what to do is patronising and insulting. I believe that listening to people and campaigning for them is what's important - and that's exactly what I intend to do for Wellington Central," Mrs Roy said.

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