14 Questions for 2014

Party Unity : How would you unite the party as a whole?

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Question : As the candidate for the leader of the New Zealand Labour Party what qualities/initiatives can you bring to the party and within caucus and the rest of the membership within the country to unite the party as a whole?

Submitted by : Heather Mannix, Christchurch

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Explanatory Note: From September 10th to 14th 2013 as part of the official selection process for a new leader the New Zealand Labour Party is holding a "Virtual Hustings Meeting" hosted by Red Alert and organised by Scoop Amplifier. Over 7 days questions were solicited from eligible voters in the election. The questions and answers are now being posted as a set of 14 posts at the Red Alert Labour Party Blog. This started Tuesday 10th September, and continues till Friday 13th September. At Red Alert all-comers are welcome to discuss the answers in the comment section of the blog. The candidates are expected to participate in these discussions at times over the five days till Saturday 14th September.

Answer from Grant Robertson

I have a proven and consistent record of working across our Caucus and Party for unity.

We simply will not win the 2014 election if we are divided. I have made clear to our Caucus that the time for talking about ourselves is over.

We must make our sole focus the hopes and concerns of everyday New Zealanders, and let them know that Labour is on their side.

My leadership will be inclusive of the talents of our Caucus. We have a great team that person for person outshines our opponents. We must work alongside the party members and supporters and the wider labour movement to build a strong cohesive force.

As a leader I believe that the most important attributes are good political judgement, the ability to unify and the courage to be bold to make the changes needed in our society.

New Zealanders need to know they have a leader who will not let them down. I will be that leader.

Answer from David Cunliffe

As Labour's leader, I would lead from the front. I will unify the party, caucus and wider labour movement so that it is an unstoppable force in 2014.

I have experience and skills in government, business, and around the world that mean I can lead a Sixth Labour Government to victory in 2014, and to strengthen our credibility once we get there. I can make tough calls when needed, even against powerful vested interests.

As a Minister and a front bencher, I busted the Telecom monopoly and kicked out a health board full of conflicts of interest because I believed in doing what was right.

I am committed to building a strong Labour team that values, encourages and supports the talents of every member of the caucus and we will work together with the Party, its members, and our affiliates.

Together, we can kick John Key and National out.

Answer from Shane Jones

I bring qualities which will enable Labour to recover votes from those who have drifted to the right, to the Maori Party and blue collar families who no longer vote at all.

I am confident that my communication skills will jolt the 800,000 non voters to march for us to the ballot box.

I would change our campaigning strategy so that our branding and logistics is appropriate to the task of reaching out to those who feel that Labour left them, rather than them leaving Labour.

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ENDS

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