Opinion: A strong local advocate in Parliament
OPINION
Hi, I’m Mark Hutchinson. I’m proud to be Labour’s Napier candidate at this year’s general election.
Napier is my home. This is where I grew up, where I’ve chosen to raise my three kids, and where I set up my own successful business, starting from scratch.
I was born, raised and went to school in Taradale, and I began my career working as a clinical psychologist in both New Zealand and the UK, before moving into leadership consulting.
For over 20 years I have worked with senior leaders across a range of industries, both globally and in New Zealand to drive change and improve performance in their organisations.
My experience has taught me how to get things done across both the public and private sectors. I’m standing so I can take that experience to be a strong local advocate in parliament, ensuring the government delivers for Napier.
I’m standing for Labour because the Labour Party reflects my values - that we should run a strong future-focused economy for the benefit of all New Zealanders and ensure everyone gets the opportunity to reach their potential.
Labour is also the party that has invested in our regional businesses and supported our communities in Napier to flourish.
Since 2018, over $250 million has been approved from government regional investment funds for projects in Hawke’s Bay, creating 2,179 jobs here. A further $930 million has been committed to supporting a successful locally led cyclone recovery in Hawke’s Bay.
This is a crucial time for Napier. As Napier recovers from the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, we need strong, experienced leadership and a Member of Parliament with the track record to get things done.
When deciding who to vote for this election, I’m asking you to look at who you believe will be the most effective advocate for Napier.
There are some key points of difference between the National Party candidate and me.
Firstly, I am from Napier. I have deep family connections to Napier and I have chosen to raise my children here.
Secondly, I am a businessman, who has set up and run my own successful business from Napier. This has given me an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with running a business from the regions. I hope to be a strong voice for business around the table in the Labour Party caucus.
My long experience and track record working with senior leaders to get things done also sets me apart from the National candidate.
My advocacy has already seen positive results for Napier.
After announcing my candidacy, I prioritised meeting with the Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce, Hawke’s Bay Tourism, and the Art Deco Trust to understand what they needed to continue driving the recovery of the region post-Gabrielle. I then directly lobbied Ministers, particularly making the case for re-engaging tourism and continued business support. The targeted $6.4 million dollar Hawke’s Bay business support package announced recently reflects what business leaders asked me for and is the direct result of effective local advocacy.
Napier is abundant with opportunity. I have a vision for Napier to be an even better place for our children and grandchildren to thrive. A place where talented people set up innovative businesses that provide well paid productive jobs.
I have a clear plan to support this vision.
For example, if elected, I will fight hard for a fit-for-purpose 24/7 medical centre in Napier.
I will continue to champion regional connectivity, putting pressure on Air New Zealand for more affordable regional airfares, and push for priority bus lanes on a future four-laned motorway.
I will push for a feasibility study into a biofuel plant in Hawke’s Bay to create an economic benefit from forestry slash.
I’m working hard to earn your vote. Over the last few months, I’ve held 60 street corner meetings, my team and I have knocked on 3,500 doors, and made over 1,500 phone calls.
I promise to be a relentless advocate for Napier to ensure the government delivers for our people and communities.
Please vote for me, Mark Hutchinson, to be your representative. Let’s make Napier an even better place to live, work, run a business and raise a family.
* Mark Hutchinson is the Labour Party’s Candidate for Napier. All candidates in the Napier electorate have been offered this opportunity. All views expressed here are Mark Hutchinson's and not those of Hawke’s Bay App’s.
