“Taylor Talk” – An Introduction

Vol. 1

“Taylor Talk” – An Introduction

Steve Taylor, Auckland Central Candidate, United Future NZ

I’ve lived in Auckland for 31 years, 18 of those years within the Auckland Central electorate, (which is 15 years longer than National Auckland Central candidate Pansy Wong – she’s from Christchurch). I’ve seen politicians (local and national) come and go in this city, and I have become bored listening and watching most of them talk big and act little – so I’m stepping up this Election, as I did in 2002.

I suspect that the main reason that long sitting incumbents hold electoral seats is because voters are not able to identify any significant “point of difference” between candidates who oppose them – so many misguidedly opt for the “safe bet” current politician (“at least they haven’t killed anyone” seems to be the philosophy of the voter desiring convenience on election day).

Take a look at current Auckland Central MP Judith Tizards “Key Achievements Update” for Labour, which she borrows from Labours national, rather than regional initiatives: apparently New Zealanders have more jobs (just what type?), higher wages (compared to who?), more teachers (we’ve been approximately 300 teachers short since Term 1), approximately 1/3 of our population enrolled in PHO’s (only 1/3 signed up = really poor PR), less crime (including the unreported crime?), and guaranteed superannuation (for who, and for how long?).

In other words, not ONE specific benefit has been gained by Judith Tizard specifically for Auckland Central in her 9 year tenure as the local MP!

Tizards respective outer cabinet portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Arts Culture & Heritage, Associate Commerce & Transport, and Auckland Issues have not assisted Aucklanders travel anywhere quicker, find a reasonably priced car park, buy a sensibly priced property, develop confidence in public transport, add value to local business, or make us feel any safer in our homes. The tyranny of the minority threatens our local speedway, our main street is not safe to walk down at night, and the rest of the country seems to hate us.

I intend to offer a “point of difference”. As I said, I can’t name even one initiative that has bettered the Auckland Central electorate that our current MP has been responsible for initiating.

Simply “existing” as an MP is not the same as actively representing ones electorate, is it?

First things first: I’m 38, married, and identify as a conservative Christian. My background is in management / marketing, teaching, social services, counselling, and alcohol / drug rehabilitation counselling and case management. I hold Applied Degrees in Counselling and Alcohol / Drug Studies and am currently employed as a Clinical Trainer with a large Alcohol & Drug agency in Auckland, whilst operating a Private Clinical Practice in Mt Albert. I have worked with the cross-cultural populations of at-risk youth, residential / non-residential alcohol & drug rehabilitation, migrant, career counselling, women’s refuge, schools, and Accident Compensation clientele during my time within the Social Services industry.

Having witnessed the best and worst that life can offer in my various work roles, I have come to abhor “political correctness” to the very core of my being, and thus I am not a candidate that is going to appeal to all people. Neither do I wish to – those who stand for nothing end up falling for anything by offering their conscience to the highest bidder. If you read the “Letters to the Editor” pages of almost any NZ national publication, you will be familiar with my views on many issues (I’ve had over 6000 copies of my letters published throughout the regional and national media over the last 3 years). This means that I’m not afraid to call a spade a spade within the public arena, and if that offends some people, then my advice to them is to make friends with being offended, and then practice some of that famous “tolerance, inclusivity, and diversity” that they so readily demand from others.

Secondly, I’m the sort of person who, from time to time, makes mistakes. Now, when I do, I own up to them. You will never hear me say something like “Oh well, IF I caused the problem THEN I apologise” nonsense. If I screw up, I own up, plain and simple.

Thirdly, by winning a sufficient number of Party Votes for United Future New Zealand, my Party will continue its crucial role as a common sense “Centrist” political force. United Future New Zealand is the party that made MMP work – no spitting of dummies, no votes of no confidence, and no public tantrums or “tail wagging dog” scenarios: we promised the NZ voter that we would guarantee Confidence and Supply for 3 years, and we’re doing so.

So, that’s the introduction over with – if you would like to ask me something specific, please contact me directly. If you would like to help and support me in my goal, then that would be great (giving United Future New Zealand your Party vote would be a positive indication of this intent). Or, you might disagree with absolutely everything I both say and stand for, and never want to hear from me again. I’d appreciate your feedback too. Either way, at least you and I will know where we stand with each other – and isn’t that the safest electoral relationship of all?

Ways to get involved with the UFNZ Auckland Central campaign:

1. Subscribe to “Taylor Talk” email Newsletter at ufnzcentral@maxnet.co.nz.
2. Display a UFNZ electoral billboard within the Auckland Central Electorate.
3. Invite Steve Taylor to address your local community group, church, or agency.
4. See the United Future NZ 2005 Policy Statements at www.unitedfuture.org.nz

Please feel free to email this newsletter on to others.

ENDS