By David Clark, MP for Dunedin North
Since becoming the MP for Dunedin North, I have been privileged to visit world-leading businesses across Dunedin and wider Otago. Many of these visits have been as Labour’s Spokesperson for Economic and Regional Development.
I truly believe that we have some of the brightest and most entrepreneurial minds right here in Dunedin. From major game developers like Rocketwerkz and Runaway, to tech start-ups like Timely and 1000Minds, we have created something phenomenal right here in our backyard. This is before even mentioning the contribution of New Zealand’s finest university.
If there’s one thing I have learnt from my local visits about the people of our city, it is this: we are passionate, creative, and we get stuck in to achieve our best. We don’t expect much in return either– just the opportunity to make the best of our lot.
We know locally that Dunedin is often the ‘last cab off the rank’ for the current government. While we don’t ask for a lot, we do expect our elected officials to fight for our interests. But time and again our government has let us down. We saw it happen with the government’s decision to shift Invermay from Mosgiel, and we can see it happening right now with on-going delays of the Dunedin Hospital rebuild.
When I surveyed people across Dunedin and asked if they thought the Government was investing enough in Dunedin and regional New Zealand, 79% said ‘No’. Labour has heard this message loud and clear: it’s time to start investing in our regions.
You will have an opportunity soon to hear from Labour Leader Andrew Little just how he will lead the change that will benefit Dunedin, the regions, and wider New Zealand. Along with my Dunedin colleague, Clare Curran, we will be hosting Andrew in town in February. These engagements will be a chance for us to speak to you, but also for you to ask questions of us.
As an MP, I take my role representing Dunedin very seriously. That’s why I’ve been an active voice for the timely rebuild of Dunedin Hospital, involved in the campaign against Invermay’s shift from Dunedin, and working with local communities to retain key local services.
This year I will be knocking on doors, calling local people, visiting workplaces, and holding meetings across Dunedin to speak about Labour’s regional development policy. I know that we already do great things here in Dunedin – imagine what we could do with the active support of our Government!
Join Andrew Little, Clare Curran and me at a public meeting on 1 February at 5:30pm at the Hutton Theatre at Otago Museum. Hear how Labour will build a better New Zealand, where our regions thrive and everyone has a fair shot at the Kiwi Dream. RSVP here.
David Clark is the MP for Dunedin North, and is also Labour’s Spokesperson for Economic Development (incl. Regional Development), Trade and Export Growth and the Associate Spokesperson for Health & Finance.
Follow David on Facebook, or email him at david.clark@parliament.govt.nz
Paid for by Parliamentary Service. Authorised by David Clark, 32 Albany Street, Dunedin
