Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

An editorial about possum trapping vs. 1080 led to a lot of misinformed anger. If we base our assumptions on the media alone, how can any of us really know what a person - or political party - is actually advocating?

Traditional media loves red and blue. We are black and white. For more detailed New Zealand First you can go to nzfirst.org.nz/policies but here's a quick overview on some key areas of regular media-twisting.

1080: It does kill possums, but also hunting dogs, deer, fish and others; it's also transferrable to anything that eats an animal killed by 1080. We are for investigation and investment in alternatives and the phasing out of this pernicious poison, as quickly as practical.

Immigration: We agree New Zealand requires immigration to make up for skills shortages, but the levels must be sustainable (70,000 a year is too high) and have a clear benefit for New Zealand.

Trade: We are pro-trade, but anti-ISDS. Big business cannot be allowed to limit our ability to govern; We are for adding value to our exports, rather than just sending raw materials overseas for them to process and resell.

Removing GST from food: Ingredients and basic necessities don't need an extra tax on them. The supermarkets' pricing software can definitely cope with this. Instead, we need to focus on the estimated $7.5 billion of corporate tax, uncollected through avoidance.

Every regular kiwi I've convinced to actually read our policies has come back to say they agreed with them - and most decided to join the party. New Zealand First has no fear of informed debate and, with the advancements in modern technology, we are getting our real message out to more and more real kiwis.

Come down to our new office at 45 Grey St, in the CBD, and I'll be happy to answer your questions face-to-face. Anonymous online anger is too easy. Let's talk.