In continuation from our Mt Albert by-election feature from last week, this week we spoke to Vin Tomar of New Zealand People’s Party, the newest party in New Zealand’s political scene. Mr Tomar is NZPP’s candidate for Mt Albert by-election due to be held on February 25. Here are the excerpts from the interview.
IWK: What are the issues of people Mt Albert?
Mr Tomar: I have been living in this area for many years now. Being a resident, I am aware of many issues first hand. During my campaign, I have been door knocking and meeting people from the area every day. People have different problems based on their priorities. Some of the common ones are law and order situation, housing, family support and immigration issues.
The communities deserve to be safe and live peacefully. Unfortunately, the number of robberies, violent attacks being reported has gone up. Police must be more visible and pro-active in maintaining. I see myself taking up the issue and ensuring that the number of police on the street is increased as this will deter crimes and people will feel more secure. New Zealand needs to have tougher law and order to reduce crime rates.
Housing is another such issue which is a complicated and multi-dimensional issue. Being an immigrant, I have gone through the problems that any new immigrant faces in terms of housing. The government needs to help the low-income people to buy houses. It also needs to work out with the local council to build new houses. Families’ welfares are being cut/stopped. The government needs to support those families who are struggling to meet their day to day needs.
Immigration is also one of the most common issues, especially for Asian migrant families. The government needs to reopen parent’s category and sibling visas. It is important to have emotional well-being for any new or old migrant to live in a new country. This would allow families to reunite with their families. If the government wants to control the numbers of people coming to NZ, there are many other categories apart from family. I know this because I am a licensed New Zealand Immigration adviser and will put a new immigration bill in the parliament once I win on February 25.
IWK: What solutions are you proposing to the Mt Albert people to tackle public transport and traffic issues?
Mr Tomar: Immediate action for addressing traffic issues will be to have shared use of roads and footpaths while we look for long terms solutions. We need to have more frequencies of buses and trains.
IWK: Mt Albert by-election is expected to be a clear win for Labour, considering Mt Albert has elected only Labour candidates since it was first contested in 1946. What do you have to say about that?
Mr Tomar: It has been more than six weeks that I have been doing door knocking in the Mt Albert electorate. The response I have been getting is very positive. Considering what Labour party MPs are doing, when they are resigning from parliament for their personal career goals, people are looking for a change, and they know that it would cost about two million dollars from tax payers' pocket for having two by-elections (Mt Roskill and Mt Albert) just because of Labour party. So let’s see what comes out on February 25 under democracy.
IWK: Why should people vote for you?
Mr Tomar: Like I said earlier, people of Mt Albert need a different vision and approach to make things better. I am not a career politician but just an immigrant who has been living in Mt Albert. This is my home, and I know things can be improved. All it takes to make things better is an understanding of the area and willingness to take action. My aim during the campaigning is to let people know that I am one of them and want to work for them. My message to the Mt Albert people is that I live in Mt Albert, I am here to serve my community 24x7, so give me a chance to serve you before the general election to show what I can do as MP.
IWK: There is a significant number of Kiwi-Indians living in Mt Albert. What message would you like to give to them?
Mr Tomar: Not just to the Kiwi-Indians but also to my brothers and sisters from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, I want to say that I am one of you. I understand the problems that you face on a day-to-day basis. I want you to select me to represent you so that I can take the help of the system to improve our lives. I speak your language, eat the same food and am from a similar culture. So please give me a chance to serve you.