Below is the campaign announcement from the newest MP candidate for the Tukituki electorate – Labour’s Dan Scott.

He joins incumbent Catherine Wedd (National), Taine Randell (NZ First), Rachel Ward (Opportunity). The Green Party will confirm its candidate in the coming week and ACT is still missing in action.

Dan Scott selected for Tukituki by Labour

Hawke’s Bay-born meteorologist Dan Scott is running for Labour in the Tukituki electorate at this year’s election. The 22-year-old, who was chosen at a selection meeting last Wednesday in Hastings, says his campaign will focus on addressing the cost of living, health, and the challenges of climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Scott, who grew up in Taradale, currently works as a weather forecaster. He is active in climate organisations, union organising, and advocating for fairer rents and tenancies.

“Tukituki has been a Labour seat previously, and I look forward to campaigning hard to make it Labour again, so that our region and our people have a voice in Parliament that’s focused on advocating for them,” Scott said.

“The last three years of the National-NZ First-ACT coalition has seen the Government overseeing skyrocketing unemployment, cutting back on crucial public services, stoking division and inequality, and abandoning core climate change policies – all while failing to keep the cost-of-living under control.

“As the youngest candidate in Tukituki, I will be campaigning for a long-term, future-focused approach, and a people-first economic strategy only possible under a Labour Government. We need a Government that is serious about raising people’s wages so that people can afford to put healthy food on the table for their whānau. We also need a Government that will provide enough funding for the essentials like healthcare, education and infrastructure that we all rely on.

“With Cyclone Gabrielle so fresh in the minds of Tukituki residents, voters will understand how important it is to have an MP and a Government who understands the significant challenges Hawke’s Bay faces as we grapple with a changing climate. With a change in Government, we can get back to taking climate change seriously, so that our region can continue to be a great place to live, raise a family, start a business and grow food for generations to come.

“Health and housing is another major focus, with three free GP visits for all New Zealanders a key Labour policy, as well as re-investing in building new state housing – which has all but stopped under this current government with its sell-off of state houses.

“Tukituki needs an MP who will work positively to bring communities together, who respects the place of Te Tiriti in our governance, and who will support policies that are focused first-and-foremost on making life easier for hardworking everyday people.”

Key Facts:
Born: 2004
Schools: Taradale Primary, Taradale Intermediate, Taradale High School (Dux 2021)
Qualifications: BSc, MMet
Favourite place: Cape Kidnappers