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David Unwin / Stuff
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern takes a selfie with fans at Massey University in Palmerston North on Thursday.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is confident that Palmerston North will not be a close contest in this year’s election.
Ardern was on the campaign trail in Palmerston North on Thursday, flanked by Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Palmerston North’s new Labor candidate Tangi Utikere.
Ardern, who was packed with people as she toured the city, visited the food innovation sites Food HQ and Food Pilot at Massey University, and an Isles Construction apartment development site to speak with the apprentices.
William Wood, 18, was chosen as the National candidate for Palmerston North, but Ardern supported Utikere.
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David Unwin / Stuff
Ardern speaks with Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith, left, and Labor candidate Tangi Uitkere during his visit to the city.
Ardern said he made no assumptions just from seat history and who was filling them.
“I base my assumptions on our candidates, the work they do, and the knowledge and experience they have in their communities, along with the investment Labor is making regionally as well,” he said.
“We never take anything for granted just because seats have been reserved for a while. For me, the reason I trust is because of Tangi and what he has been doing in the region ”.
Regardless of the seat, the party considered that each person and vote were important.
Utikere said he was focused on sharing what he and the group had to offer with the community.
“I am offering a fresh, strong and effective local voice in Parliament and also in Government. Our party is centered on a delivery plan. “
Utikere was selected as the city’s candidate in July after Labor MP Iain Lees-Galloway stepped down following revelations he had about an inappropriate relationship with a former staff member.
Adrian Rurawhe and Soraya Peke-Mason, who are running for nearby Te Tai Hauāuru and Rangitīkei, respectively, echoed Utikere’s thoughts.
Rurawhe is the acting deputy in Te Tai Hauāuru and said he was focused on regaining the seat and increasing the party’s vote.
David Unwin / Stuff
Ardern speaks with Isles Construction apprentice Ryan Angland on Thursday.
He said that job security was the top concern of his constituents.
“Parents are thinking about the jobs that await their children in the future.”
Peke-Mason has the toughest job of challenging incumbent Ian McKelvie in a national stronghold, but he said he had been receiving a positive response from across the electorate.
Ardern’s visit coincided with the government’s announcement of the date for its $ 5 billion spending on North Island lower infrastructure, with projects set to be implemented in the next 18 months.
Projects include the Marton Rail Center, enabling infrastructure for Levin’s new Tairaka subdivision, Horowhenua Business Park infrastructure, Route 52 improvements in Tararua, and a climate resilience package with regional councils.
The infrastructure financing will support the Manawatū Gorge replacement highway, due to begin in November, Capital Connection improvements, and investments in health and education.
