13 Indian origin candidates to contest in New Zealand elections; record high in years

In this year’s general election, candidates of Indian ancestry from all major parties are running in unprecedented numbers. ACT has four candidates, National has five, Labour has two, and the Greens have two apiece. Here is a list of their top goals as they campaign to get elected to the legislature in the forthcoming election.

ACT

The contender with the highest ranking Indian ancestry is Parmjeet Parmar of Pakuranga, a former National MP (2014–20). “I chose ACT because it is the only political party that consistently adopts an evidence-based approach to policymaking,” she states. “Along with the rising cost of living and increasing crime rates, my main concern is the implementation of race-based agendas within our public system by the current Labour government.”

Himanshu Parmar (13), a first-time candidate for Hamilton East, says his priorities are “what voters tell me are their main concerns: the cost of living, crime, and co-governance”. “We need growth in the Waikato region,” he states. “We also need strong advocacy in the law-and-order space.”

Rahul Chopra, a 26-year-old candidate for Mt. Roskill, asks voters to use their vote to change the world. “I believe New Zealanders want real change this time, not the same stale choice of Labour or National,” he states. “The tired policies perpetuated by both major political parties have fostered a culture of mediocrity and complacency, rather than one of aspiration and achievement.”

The lowest-placed Indian-origin candidate in the ACT, Pothen Joseph of Mangere (46), wants to, among other things, revitalize the nation’s educational system. “Our current system is in need of significant reform to meet basic international standards and be more affordable,” he states. “In healthcare, too, we need to address the shortage of skilled professionals through immigration and more in-house training facilities.”

NATIONAL

Turning to National, all candidates of Indian descent mostly follow party policy and reiterate leader Christopher Luxon’s three key priorities: reviving the economy, reestablishing law and order, and enhancing health and educational results.

In his campaign against Chlöe Swarbrick of the Green Party in Auckland Central, Mahesh Muralidhar (43), focuses on regional problems in his district. “A surging homelessness crisis emphasises the urgency to reform social housing and address Auckland Transport’s inefficiencies,” according to him. “We are dedicated to focusing resources on front-line services, engaging with the commercial and community sectors, and simplifying government operations.

“Additionally, I aim to bolster New Zealand’s ties with India. It’s also pivotal to celebrate the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, acknowledging their cultural events, community organizations and unique challenges.”

Navtej Singh Randhawa, a candidate for Panmure-thuhu in New Zealand, believes that the ethnic group should be better represented at top levels of government. His great-grandfather was one of the earliest Indian immigrants to New Zealand. “There is an under-representation of diverse communities at many levels of leadership, even in government departments,” according to him. “This requires attention. In a bicultural country, we need to change the conversation to actual multiculturalism.

Karun Muthu (51), the sole candidate of Indian descent running in the Wellington area across all political parties, described his campaign in Rongotai as being laser-focused. “People here are being stretched in every direction with higher mortgage payments, rents, groceries and fuel,” according to him. “I will also work towards getting the second Mount Victoria tunnel built to shorten journey times.”

Ankit Bansal, a candidate for Palmerston North, claims that “National is the only party that closely aligns with my values of taking personal responsibility, rewarding hard work, and providing equal opportunities to all New Zealanders.” Bansal, 52, is a resident of Palmerston North.

Siva Kilari, the highest-ranked Indian-origin candidate for National (30), agrees. According to the Manurewa candidate, “Law and order is the most important issue in my electorate.” “Labour is soft on crime, and it shows here.”

LABOUR

Kharag Singh, a candidate for the Labour Party in Botany.

Priyanca Radhakrishnan, a Labour candidate for Maungakiekie, (15) emphasizes the contacts she has developed over the course of her six years living in the area. “My priority is to support Maungakiekie families access initiatives to reduce the cost of living, support local schools and community organisations to thrive, and continue to advocate for crime prevention measures and improve community safety locally,” she states. “Improving the network of cycleways and walking lanes, and accessibility of public transport will be some of the focus areas in my next term.”

Kharag Singh (66), a candidate for Labour from Botany who is also of Indian descent, wants to concentrate on issues impacting young people in New Zealand. “That’s why my priorities include education and working towards the culturally inclusive well-being of our community,” he continues. “I want to contribute to build a society that accepts our ethnic identities.”

Green Candidates

The Indian-origin candidates for the Green Party, Maungakiekie candidate Sapna Samant (28) and Hutt South candidate Neelu Jennings (27) expressed their election goals on the The Spinoff-supported platform policy.nz.

“My priorities are a guaranteed income of at least $385 a week to everyone, build 35,000 new homes over five years and create disability legislation underpinned by enforceable disability standards,” Jennings says.

Samant seeks to create a primary healthcare system that is equal, affordable, inclusive, sustainable, and free. Her other areas of attention are greater residence options for immigrants and overstayer amnesty.

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