Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter will be standing in the Mount Albert by-election to be held on 25 February, said the Green Party today.
Well-known for her strong advocacy of the City Rail Link and ways to cut congestion in Auckland, Ms Genter said she was looking forward to a positive campaign with the Labour Party candidate, with a focus on policies that will make Auckland fairer and greener.
“New Zealanders have a big choice to make in 2017, to stick with the status quo, or to change the Government to get real action on things like affordable housing, public transport, and protecting our rivers,” said Ms Genter.
“The by-election will be the first opportunity for voters in Mt Albert to see what Labour and the Greens have to offer in a new, progressive government.
“The Green Party has a reputation for keeping New Zealand politics honest. I think this is an opportunity to show how politics can be done differently – respectfully, positively, and collaboratively.
“Labour and Greens share a vision for a fairer New Zealand – affordable housing and healthy kids. Whichever of us Mt Albert vote for, they will get a competent, experienced MP committed to a fairer New Zealand.
“I’ve spent my career working on transport and urban design. That expertise will be of great value to Mt Albert residents as Auckland grows and changes,” said Ms Genter.
“We have an opportunity to create a happier, healthier city, and I can be the champion for that in central Government. The Greens have a successful track record on advocating for better public transport, safer cycling, and liveable neighbourhoods in Auckland.”
Green Party Co-leader James Shaw is delighted that Julie Anne Genter has been selected.
“She’s provided the strong voice we’ve been looking for, particularly with her focus on public transport and housing, two of the biggest issues faced by Aucklanders today. I also look forward to seeing two dynamic and talented women standing in Mount Albert. This is democracy at its best and how politics should work.”
The decision to stand Ms Genter was made at the candidate selection meeting this evening. Ms Genter is the Green Party spokesperson on Health, Transport, and Auckland Issues, as well as Youth, ACC, Sport and Recreation.