SPONSORED CONTENT: Beyond the campaign slogans, it’s important to know you’re voting for a candidate who will genuinely consult with and advocate for the people of our region.

Standing as the New Zealand First Bay of Plenty candidate, Kirsten Murfitt knows the Bay of Plenty very well.

“We need a voice in Parliament that is deeply immersed in our region, understands the priorities, listens to the constituents and can get outcomes for us. We need to be heard,” says Kirsten.

“We need a Bay of Plenty candidate that truly listens, is present in the community, understands our unique needs and advocates effectively and robustly for the Bay. I know I can do all that and do it well,” says Kirsten.

Core to Kirsten’s convictions is democracy and stronger local representation in Parliament.

With 20 plus years’ experience as a lawyer Kirsten has the skill to analyse the consequences of proposed legislation and amendments.

“I have in-depth research skills which means I will not be relying solely on reports from bureaucrats who seem to run Wellington,” says Kirsten. “I have already been holding the Government to account with official information requests around our education system

and sexual education in our primary schools because I believe in uncovering the truth and demanding better.”

Kirsten’s key focus areas include democracy, crime, our failing health care system, wasteful expenditure and education.

“We need to be investing in infrastructure and projects that will benefit, not burden, our future generations,” says Kirsten.

“We have more gang members than police in the Bay of Plenty. We need to restore safety to our homes and streets and get tough on crime.”

“We need to restore democracy to our local council by removing the unelected, undemocratic commissioners. We need to be able to vote for those holding the local purse strings and be able to hold them to account.”

“Our health care system is crumbling. We need to reprioritise government expenditure, provide funding increases for primary health care, and reassign wasted resources to urgently deal with hospitals and waiting lists.”

“We need to need to fix our education system by restoring the basics skills such as reading, writing and math and we need to remove gender ideology from our primary schools.”

“And we need to work harder with other political parties to fix our roads!”

Kirstens key focus areas include democracy, crime, and the "failing health care system". Photo: Supplied.

Kirsten is also clear on what authentic community representation and advocacy looks like.

“It’s about listening and considering all the voices in our community,” says Kirsten. “I can tell you what true community representation/consultation doesn’t look like – starting work on the Cameron Road project while still consulting the community!”

“With my legal experience and the 16 years I have spent advocating for my son with special needs I think I have what it takes to work with the very experienced team that New Zealand First has put together.”

Describing herself as a deeply passionate and paraochial local, Kirsten describes her strengths as her strong analytical skills, critical thinking and determination.

“First and foremost, I believe in absolute integrity and my commitment to better serving, representing and advocating for the Bay of Plenty is something I am energised and deeply passionate about.”

Kirsten Murfitt is the New Zealand First candidate for the Bay of Plenty. For more information go to: https://www.nzfirst.nz/kirsten-murfitt.

Authorised by: H. Howard, 41 Jervois Road, Ponsonby

-- Sponsored Content