Aucklander Liz Shaw has decided to contest the seat of Auckland Central in this year's General Election. Liz Shaw has previously been involved with political parties however has decided to stand as an Independent because she believes it's a more honest way to run an election campaign as "there is not one single party I 100% agree with".

When asked about policy Miss Shaw has a tough on crime stance. It is her goal that preventative measures will be enforced from the outset in terms of Education and greater input from CYFs. Shaw recognises there will be people who fall through the cracks so after committing three serious offences the offender will be sent to prison and there will be greater emphasis put on rehabilitation programmes to minimise repeat offending once released.

Miss Shaw is pro Education and believes that school attendance should be mandatory until the age of 18 unless attending a course at university, polytech, doing an apprenticeship or working. Shaw would "seek to encourage children to stay in school with greater interaction with them by solving the root of the problem rather than simply allowing them to drop out". She believes this will set them up for a brighter future and benefit the country.

Homelessness is an issue facing those in Auckland Central and Miss Shaw shows a compassionate approach to dealing with the homeless in the area. She has dealt with them in the past and says; "I was at a bus stop and saw a homeless man and I thought to myself, this guy could've had a fruture, possibly could still if there were more street workers to help... support him (social workers etc) and I would advocate for this. I would also attempt to move these people off the street into rehab so that they can contribute and live a prosperous life with success and achievement"

Shaw has recently returned from Sydney where she had an encounter with a homeless man and showed that compassionate approach there too, "in Sydney when I was living there I spoke to a homeless guy and I felt so sorry for him. People had given up on him. After talking to him it was clear that people had given up on him and he had low self esteem. I would work to improve this. Sometimes all homeless people need is an ear and someone who cares. One person can make a difference".

Liz Shaw takes a very "hands on" approach in regards to interactions with voters of the public and is managing the Facebook Page, "Liz Shaw - Candidate for Auckland central 2011" herself and will be happy to answer any further policy questions.

ENDS

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