Nash to Run for 2014

It was a tough decision, but Stuart Nash has decided not to stand for Napier mayor in this year’s local body elections – instead opting for the national stage.

He will seek to represent Napier for the Labour Party in next year’s national elections, and is convinced he can unseat incumbent Chris Tremain.

Napier Mail, Wednesday January 30th, 2013

The 2011 Nash campaign.

The 2011 Nash campaign cut Tremain’s majority from just over 9000 to under 4000 and was the largest swing against the tide throughout NZ. Since the election, Tremain has not exactly endeared himself to the voters, opting to ignore the wishes of his core electorate by supporting amalgamation, as well as backing the closure of the Napier to Gisborne rail link. In fact, there are many instances where Tremain has disregarded his catchphrase – Backing the Bay, preferring instead to Bugger the Bay!

Nash continues;

I thought long and hard about standing for mayor, asking myself if I can do more work for the people of Napier as mayor or as, say, the economic development minister. In the end I felt I could do more with a role in central government, working for the regions.

He picks up on an important point, and one forgotten by Tremain, Tolley and Foss. They are here to represent us, not their party ideology. Far too often we have seen our electorate MP’s ignoring what’s best for the region they represent in favour of their caucus or leader’s wishes. Isn’t that what list MPs are for?

With the date for the next election likely to be no later than Saturday 6th December 2014 (although I suspect it will actually be held on 29th November), this is going to be a long and hard fought race to the finish line, and there are plenty of issues for Nash to get stuck into.

I won’t jinx the result by making any wild speculations now, the slightly larger lady with the pig-tails and viking hat isn’t even in the theatre, never-mind singing, but let’s just say, Napier deserves better!