11 May 2018

Dr. Rebekah Jaung selected as Green Party candidate for Northcote by-election

Medical doctor and peace activist Dr. Rebekah Jaung has been selected as the Green Party candidate for the Northcote by-election.

Dr. Jaung stood for the Greens in the Northcote seat in the 2017 General Election, and currently works as a Doctor in Public Health and is a research fellow at the Department of Surgery, University of Auckland.

She is of Korean descent, grew up in Aotearoa and has lived in the Northcote electorate since 2013.

Dr. Jaung says the Greens need a strong voice in Government to ensure action on health, climate change, housing and transport remain on the agenda.

“The Northcote by-election is an opportunity for voters to signal the direction they want the Government to take. I can provide an independent, progressive voice that reflects local issues on the national stage," said Dr. Jaung.

“An extra Green MP in Parliament gives us an important extras voice to fight for much better funding for our public health system. As a doctor I know how underfunded the health system is and how desperately it needs a massive boost to ensure the health of New Zealanders, especially the most disadvantaged.

“After 9 years of neglect, our chronically underfunded health infrastructure is at a breaking point. It's unacceptable that in New Zealand we have hospitals that are mouldy and pose a health hazard to our communities.

"I want to make sure the Government has in it voices that understand the need for all policy to consider health and advocates for our hard-working nurses and midwives who are not currently getting the pay they deserve.

"I also stand for strengthening renters rights and better public transport. These are issues that will not only make Northcote a more vibrant, liveable community but will ensure Aotearoa is prepared to meet the needs of its people while looking towards the challenges of the future.

“It is an honour to have the opportunity to campaign alongside our newly elected Co-leader Marama Davidson, whose commitment to our communities and the environment is a source of inspiration.

“Marama Davidson’s work on peace through justice resonates deeply with my own peace activism within the Korean community, and I know she will be able to genuinely reach out and inspire our diverse communities within the electorate."

Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said that Dr Jaung will be an outstanding candidate.

"Rebekah would be an brilliant addition to the Green parliamentary team. She's a passionate professional who has dedicated her career to others through her work on public health and peace, and frankly we need more people like her in parliament," said Davidson.

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