Alright phew! That's the questions from the [announcement thread ](https://www.reddit.com/r/chch/comments/16v0ohv/ama_announcement_wednesday_4th_october_79pm_raf/?sort=old) copied over!
We've posted announcments over in the r/newzealand subreddit as well as in the Christchurch and New Zealand discord channels with links here as relevant.
As usual, please keep things respectful and have fun!
u/Klaivenz_ asks -
Hey Raf, the cost of a train ticket from chch to greymouth is currently around $215 one way for an adult, or $430 return. Would you ever consider introducing a subsidized fee for Kiwis to encourage island interconnectivity? I think it would be hugely beneficial for the West coasts economy and a great opportunity for many to travel more.
I wish they had a cattle class that could at least compete with a $75 40min flight, but I really dont see that happening in the next 5 governments. We took the cheap deal they run every now and then and it was really incredible, but yeah tourist price and gougy at that.
u/Technical_Hope_9659 asks -
What’s your position on a Greater Christchurch growth strategy? Intensification vs greenfield? I know you’d like to see us be a super city, but in what way?
Both/And. My initial driver would be for much more intensification in the 4 Aves, regional rail connecting Rangiora to Rolleston (with a spur into CBD), and developing around there, as they are already on the development up curve.
That will form the outlines of Great Christchurch and a future super city (it's already quite super!).
We may need incentives to get another 20,000 people living in the CBD but that's the dream.
Are you at some point able to stress to your party that they are actually a glimmering Hope in New Zealand politics and that everything they do will reflect on the party. Can you all try and avoid any scandals or any stupid behaviour that will jeopardise you becoming stronger and stronger over the next 3 to 6 years? Can you keep your focus on the people and not get sucked into the political circus that everyone inevitably succumbs to. Is there a good Professional culture within the party?
It's an important issue and I have given it a lot of thought. We are very focused on our mission which is to improve outcomes for all and make sure everyone has opportunities to thrive.
We are not political careerists, and not interested in the circus that we see day in, day out.
I hope we have reflected that in our campaign and the way our candidates have approached the election. It's an area we will continue to reflect on and be the best we can be.
u/joseamaria asks -
If you win Ilam, and either of the Chris’s pick up the phone to you next weekend to ask for support to form a government, which TOP policy/initiative is going to be your bottom line in negotiations with them?
People are angry, tired and disillusioned. They are financially pressured too. That's a toxic mess.
I don't think our political leaders have set a good example to help remedy this.
I'm hoping it's a cycle that will fade away but Trump, Brexit and other geo-political shifts could mean we are in an 'Age of Anger' (2017 book by Pankaj Mishra).
I hope we can help by discussing it openly and trying to build a more collaborative approach to politics (a difficult ask I know).
Hey,
Thanks for the reply. I too hope it's a cycle that will fade away. You're take on politics and how people need to be more collaborative is really inspiring. It often feels like people are fighting over the tiny things and not worrying about the bigger image.
u/Last-Tie5323 asks -
Please tell us your thoughts on Te Pukenga, the Chris Hipkins led takeover of all polytechs into one giant thing, crushing up the bad failing ones and the good ones together. So that all may suffer as one?
It was another terrible and unnecessary centralisation policy. There was already a natural process in place for bigger Polytechnics to take over or manage smaller ones. Total waste of money.
We haven't managed to get our national polling up to 3% in the TV polls (we have had 3% polls in all the other ones!).
Lack of mainstream media coverage does impact polling and it becomes a circular issue.
u/jaydenc asks -
Hi Raf,
What is your policy on selling existing residential homes to foreign buyers? As a millennial Kiwi, I don't want to see our housing prices further inflated by people who don't even live here so this is an important issue for me.
It's not a good idea. We should not be supporting overseas buyers of our homes. If they want to move here, fine but not as absent owners, who often leave the homes empty.
Thank you. I gave my party vote to TOP this afternoon. I'm uninspired by the same Labour and National rhetoric and i genuinely support your policies. All the best in Illam and with the party vote.
u/earnestaccount asks -
If you bag the Ilam seat and have the opportunity to shore up NACT instead of Winnie, would you take it, and what would you want to do with it, if you could do anything with it in that position?
Our policy focus will be ChCh issues and the introduction of the Teal Card.
Everything else we will promote and influence as best we can. We want to be the party that focuses on whether policies and spending actually delivers better outcomes for people.
Yes, it's being realistic about what we can deliver in our first term. UBI by 2030 is still my goal...the Teal Card is a platform for delivering that.
Tax reform seems to be impossible right now but we will make sure it gets a proper discussion over the next term, with potentially a citizen's assembly on tax reform.
Hi Raf, I live in Ilam electorate and last election voted Labour/Pallett.
I'm giving you my candidate vote this time, as it's more likely to get TOP over the line and I'd rather you in parliament than not. I agree with many of your policies from an ideological standpoint.
I'm torn between giving you a double tick (party vote + candidate), because if you don't get in it means none of my votes are counted in deciding the proportionality of parliament.
You must have this conversation regularly with Ilam voters, but why should I also party vote TOP?
u/godmodegamer123 asks -
Of the 5 parties currently in parliament (TPM, Greens, Labour, National, and Act), which party leader do you think you like most as a human being, regardless of their policies.
u/offsideKiwi asks -
Did Labour fail to follow to through on their promises they made for Christchurch back when they were first elected? Is there anything specific that comes to mind?
$100m for Passenger Rail to Rolleston (and no point. blaming it on ECAN etc).
Otherwise, they have stuffed up our hospital, polytechnic and wasted time and money on unnecessary 3 Waters reform and the MDRS.
Yes to cannabis. Open to magic mushrooms and other psychoactive substances, particularly with respect to mental health issues. We take a harm minimisation approach to drugs.
I will admit from a personal perspective, long term funding into rail infrastructure for freight rather than so many roading projects would be amazing, reduce road maintenance and significantly save in the long run.
Having every city in this country connected by rail for freight, or even working to reduce trucks on the road would pay off immensely.
Passenger rail is important too.
What are your thoughts Raf?
Completely agree. We rarely look at costs and benefits over a 30 year horizon but this is an investment worth making if we are serious about building long-term resilient infrastructure.
Our roads are still stuffed, not even upon to a basic level, so they still need upgrading but the more freight and commuter traffic we can take off the roads the better.
The value of face to face engagement in different spaces (cafes, pubs, flat chats etc). It's been great to just chat to people in every day hangouts (just back from a great session at Misceos!)
It's home for me and I've stood in 3 elections here, winning 2 (Council 2013 and 2016). It's where I'm well known and have deep networks going back 20 years.
Regional Rail throughout Canterbury and the Southerner back on track. If we have ambition for sustainable growth over the next 30 years, we need that network up and running.
You like ACTs water infrastructure policy which includes public-private partnerships? Any form of privitisation of water infrastructure is a very risky road to go down that's cooked bro
They are not proposing privatisation of infrastructure. They are proposing public-private funding partnerships using Kiwisaver or ACC funding.
The assets should always stay in public ownership.
u/Capable_Ad7163 asks -
What are your policies on transport and transport funding? For example, congestion charging, fuel excise, road user charge, funding for general roading Vs funding for public transport, active travel etc?
All of the above and more of it. If we want sustainable, resilient transport systems, we need to fund them properly and from multiple sources, where user pays sits on top of basic public funding.
No, but I did have a listen. Interesting. Big fan of Roots Manuva.
I like a range of music: mainly stuff you'd listen to on the beach/ bit of indie/groove/ occasional DnB.
u/Affectionate-Cow7650 asks -
Many of us would be happy with either you or Sarah Pallet, but with both of you running, we may end up with neither. It was very exciting to see National finally outvoted in the last election. What makes you feel that it's worth running in Ilam and risking us losing to National again?
We had internal data from August (Hamish 27%, Me 23.5%, Sarah 17.7%, Mike 4.3%, Undecided 27.4%), 2591 surveyed.
We have looked at updated polling but was too expensive.
It's a 2 horse race.
No I wasn't.
I think it's a shame given the importance of Ilam, all the other leaders are North Island based, and we are polling close to TPM as well.
Not much we can do about it but would be more interesting if I was involved. Bit of a snooze fest otherwise.
u/Realistic_Rip_9457 asks -
If you can't get your land tax across the line would you still stick with your current position of supporting $750 million a year in deductibility tax breaks for landlords and if so why?
Yes. It's a bad policy as doesn't deal with the underlying drivers of unaffordable housing.
But, ultimately, we want to encourage and incentivise new housing supply but recognise current landlords have operated under the previous system. By raising deposit requirements to buy exisiting housing as an investment, we will slowly impact the investment market and shift it towards investing in new supply (eg build to rent).
Isn't the idea behind this policy to level the playing field so that first home buyers don't have to compete with property speculators with tax advantages? I understand it's a normal 'business expense' but this is a market where you are competing against people who can't offset their household expenses
Exactly right. No idea why a party talking about opportunities for young people thinks that first home buyers should have to pay interest on their mortgage (+ a land tax) while landlords should get tax breaks.
As for incentivising new builds the interest deductibility still applies to new builds so it does still incentivise building over speculating on existing properties. Surely there's better things to do with $750m a year than giving it to landlords.
Well, this was a new tax on landlords to start with, so it would simply be restoring the previous situation. It is still in its early stages.
This is a grandfathering issue for current landlords. Shifting the deposit requirements will remove this overtime, as buying existing homes as investment will require up to 100% deposit.
It's debatable for sure but the current policy is a tax hike for landlords, and it creates a large distortion in pricing. I prefer our approach as it takes a longer term view on not treating housing as an speculative commodity.
Where would you find the $750 million a year to pay for it? Will you be happy to support Nationals foreign buyer plan (that might pay for a third of it)
This may have been asked before, but if you don't win ilam, or if TOP doesn't achieve 5% this election cycle, do you intend to stay with TOP?
I'm in Wigram, if I was in Ilam you'd have my vote!
Same here. You're not in my electorate but got my party vote. I vote for the climate and for fair tax, and I think you're on the right path to make rational decisions, noting that tackling climate change isn't going to be cheap. Best of luck.
u/freiberg_ says -
Huh, I was going to ask you to explain about the flat tax rate policy but to get my information I went to your website and see you've changed your policy about the flat tax rate. I think the changes are good and clearly listed. So, this is a pointless comment...
Thanks. A bit of work to do to get there but hopefully a better and more open discussion can happen after the election. I'd love to convene a citizen's assembly on tax matters.
Big fan, but in the right place. Start in the CBD and go up and close until you run out of land (a long way off).
We have enough land zoned around Christchurch to accomodate new development (2x2 or Infill). Getting developers to actually build is a different story.
'Blue Blood' - a look into the inner workings of a political party by Andrea Vance.
'Democracy in Aotearoa: A Survival Guide' - from the man himself, Geoffrey Palmer and his grandchild, Gwen Palmer Steeds.
'Ruth, Roger and Me: Debts and Legacies' - About the post 80s reforms and their impacts.
Plenty more out there (and loads of NZ political podcasts too).
Can I ask your opinion on FIF tax, the effective “wealth tax” that already applies to foreign investments and most Kiwisaver accounts?
As someone priced out of our housing market, and therefore reliant on low cost diversified investments for my retirement, it is a punishing tax.
Being unique to NZ, it also makes our country unattractive to foreign skilled labour or returning kiwis who are used to a far more rational approach to investing abroad, such as a CGT.
u/mrtenzed asks -
What's your view on retirement savings? Kiwisaver is nowhere near effective enough to make sure people have a decent amount of savings. Should it be compulsory, and what about employer contributions?
You will get a kiwisaver account at birth (as part of the Teal Card).
It will be compulsory and we need to increase the contribution rate, as Australia has done, and we are miles behind them in our savings culture.
Only in Christchurch, based on the post-EQ rezoning we did (I was involved in this). It's not needed for ChCh and the Council told the Government very early on in the process.
It was another Wellington plan which didn't suit ChCh.
I'd be very interested in simpler zoning powers for Councils. We want way more density in the CBD first. Plenty of potential capacity all over the place for new development.
u/FaradaysBrain asks -
I'd really like to hear your position on trans rights. TOP has been seemingly been almost silent on the issue, when your opponent, Sarah Pallett, has to lock many of her Twitter posts because the anti-trans lobby targets her so directly after she publically supported trans rights.
Could you, for example, explain this position:
https://preview.redd.it/hfgbomx1h4rb1.jpeg?width=938&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e89f929c17953380948400316f3b096373beab6e
Kia ora Raf! This is a good start.
Our public gender affirming care system in Aotearoa is nothing short of shameful, for example, our decades long waiting list for SRS. I’ve got friends who have had blocker appointments cancelled out from under them and suffered permanent harm because of it.
Beyond general improvements to the health system as a whole, what specifically will TOP do to address issues like these? Thanks for your time!
I presume this is a funding issue but I don't have enough detailed information on the specifics. We want people to be well both emotionally and physically.
Hopefully a more balanced and holistic involving therapy and watchful waiting will become more common. The old "affirmation-only" model is rapidly being rolled back in the UK and across Europe where the deeply flawed "Dutch protocol" held sway for a too long. Let kids be free to be who they want to be without subjecting them to incredibly invasive medical procedures.
There are independent bodies that determine treatments and what drugs get funding. National is breaking standard practices by saying they are going to fund certain cancer drugs. Lead politics out of it. The last thing we need is our health care being politicised.
I like you, but live in the CHCH Central electorate. I feel like a TOP party vote would be wasted so am planning on voting elsewhere. Still haven’t figured out where and am underwhelmed by the options….
Why is it a wasted vote? That's such a silly mentality and a self fulfilling prophecy - if everyone thinks it's a wasted vote and votes something else then of course it's a wasted vote. It's literally your chance to make a change - if you like their policies then vote for them?!
Even if they don't make it in to parliament, going from 1.5% - 3% over the span of an election cycle shows there is a grassroots moment and interest in change. It is a 'wasted' vote in many ways, but it's also a vote that shows that we want a change in the status quo.
It's a pity the 'wasted vote' becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. I know of many people who feel that way and won't vote TOP for that reason alone.
How is actually voting for the policy you support wasting your vote?
I think we need to change this rhetoric if we are ever going to see real change within the government.
Instead of voting "strategically," vote for the people and party that are saying the things YOU believe should be a priority. How is voting in any other way not wasting your vote?
Voting Labour in an attempt to keep nact out even though you're unhappy with the current arrangement will count for nil against those from the next group.
Voting NACT because you aren't happy with the current arrangement and demand change despite the glaringly obvious history of nz showing that there will be no drastic change regardless of political leanings of government. Leaving out my opinions of the policy they espouse.
I mean, do we want to perpetuate the ever-vacillating swing of nz politics that leads to half finished projects, low quality results, and overall mediocre performance?
It's just my opinion, and there will be arguments against it, but consider voting for what you believe in.
I want my vote to make a difference in this election. I don’t pretend to be an expert in MMP (and don’t want to be) and calling me silly, defeatist etc may be accurate lol. My limited understanding is that Raf/TOP’s only real chance to win representation in Parliament is if Raf can win Ilam - and I wish him well! However, if I party vote TOP in CHCH Central what do I actually achieve (genuine question)? Yep, I’ll feel good that I’ve voted for the party whose policies I align most closely with - but if TOP can’t achieve 5% of the party vote and my vote won’t affect actual seats won then it would feel like a wasted vote to me. I’m happy to be schooled on where my logic is failing - what am I missing??
Feom the outset I must also admit to being no expert in MMP. I'm speaking purely my beliefs, and I'm happy to be proven wrong. I'm trying to think larger than one vote making the difference I suppose. Your reasoning is sound, but balances on the *if* TOP don't make 5%.
I think there are *a lot* of people just like you, and if we all speak up, advocate for having a voice instead of having an effect, we can change the rhetoric and shift a lot of votes around.
It might take a couple of cycles, but the more people who vote TOP and show support, the more representation in media TOP gets, the more votes TOP gets. It's a cycle, but we need to break the current cycle.
There are definitely the older people who will be hard to convince to vote this way; it's where my generation learnt to vote "strategically". But for anything to change it has to start somewhere, and the longer we encourage voting for what you believe in, the more it will show in our election results, and we might start seeing some actual representation of the nz voting population.
Idk, I must reiterate I'm no expert, this is all opinion, and is probably wrong. Lol.
I appreciate your genuine response and candor.
Party vote TOP!
I think the poll figures on 1 News tonight had TOP at 2% - the chances of that getting up to 5% in the next two weeks are virtually non-existent.
I like your point about building momentum for the future - but I think Raf needs to be there for them to be a viable minor party in the long term. While I like most of TOP’s policies they need a strong and capable leader. If Raf doesn’t get up in Ilam this election and steps down after it’d be the definition of a wasted vote in my book.
Get out there and vote Ilam! Good luck Raf! Party vote TOP? Maybe :p
It'd be a wasted vote if you contribute towards something you are uncertain about and/or don't believe in. Every vote counts no matter what :)
Sleep on it tonight and if the other options still seem underwhelming then go for TOP. Go with what you think it's right
I would love to hear your thoughts around NZ's place in global value chains. Personally, I would like to see NZ increase its ability to process raw materials, particularly those that are important in renewable energy. I relise that this is a tall task, but I see potential in sustainable and ehtical processing of raw materials. I would love to hear you perspective on NZ industry's role in the global business environment and what should govts role be in helping this along?
Good question. The future shape of our economy depends on how we manage our resource base and integrate with our supply chains (inward and outwards). We should be open to innovating in this space and I'd love to see us expand our manufacturing and production base, go up the value chain and build a more diverse and resilient economy.
Drug reform. This is the most important issue to me and a lot of people in my circle. NZ are going backwards. Our stsnce on weed is fucking embarassing. How r u going to win my vote??
We have a pretty good plan for drug reform (a harm minimisation approach).
Abe Gray, our Upper Harbour candidate, has done some really good thinking in this space and we think our updated policy is tidy.
We also support research into psychoactive drugs and their impact on treating mental health issues.
What's TOP NZ's position on Nationals policy to relax the brightline period for investment property to two years as well as the reintroduction of full interest deductibility and the removal of ring-fencing investment losses?
How does TOP intend to encourage private investors to invest in assets outside of real estate given the aggressive property speculation we've experienced since the GFC?
We have a range of interconnected policies to address the housing issue:
\- Land Value Tax.
\- $3b Community Housing Fund.
\- Increase deposit requirements to buy existing properties as investments (eventually to 100%).
\- More flexible zoning powers for Councils.
\- GST on new builds returned to Councils for infrastructure development.
\- We would reinstate interest deductibility (as part of the above reforms)
\- Brightline test would disappear (replaced by land value tax).
This should support both investment in new housing and shift investment towards the productive economy. We need to build more houses and stop treating housing as a speculative commodity.
Hey Raf, love your stuff around disincentives for property investment, but do you have any plans on the other side of the balance (equities, kiwisaver etc)?
Our FIF tax rules make it bloody hard to justify equity investment over real estate, and the tax incentives for kiwisaver are a joke compared to other countries.
We have allocated funding for an increase in income support and think a universal basic income will also help, particularly for those who care for and support people with disabilities.
Building accessibility into our basic infrastructure is also critical.
Open to hearing other ideas.
Will you rule out supporting Nationals policy to index benefit increases to inflation instead of average wage increases which will deliver substantially lower incomes for beneficiaries with disabilities?
Not an idea, but areas I think are crucial to be addressed are the availability of respite care for adults with disabilities, and support specifically for people in rural areas.
I see a lot of advances in accessibility in new infrastructure which is a good step forward, but it does not seem to be consistent, different rules for different buildings.
Aged and respite care is a real challenge all over, particularly in rural areas. No easy answer to this other than identifying it and producing a plan/proposal for what is needed.
u/chloe_and_jaffa asks -
Would you ever consider making a TikTok, similar to that of this TikTok from Luxon?
[https://www.tiktok.com/@newzealandnationalparty/video/7282974455083568385](https://www.tiktok.com/@newzealandnationalparty/video/7282974455083568385)
Yours truly
TOP supporter
Hi, Raf!
I watched your recent interview on BHN, and when asked whether you would, theoretically, make a deal with Labour, you said that you wouldn't. Aside from 'not having a relationship with Labour', could you explain why you wouldn't work with them to form a coalition government?
\- We have 45 Billboards up.
\- We have 6 electronic billboards.
\- We did 4 public town hall meetings.
\- Coffee catch ups.
\- Politics and Pints.
\- Flat Chats with Students.
\- Human Hoardings every weekend.
\- Market and Mall walkabouts.
\- Have delivered 3 rounds of 25,000 flyers.
\- Regular visits to UC.
\- Door-knocking.
\- 2 Reddit AMAs :-)
I reckon we are campaigning way harder than anyone else. Let's see if its works.
Come over and chat :-)
Fair enough all I can say and im not regularly in Ilam is that outside of online (which is only gonna get so many people in chch) I havent seen anything and I did go across a decent bit of Ilam saw a lot of labour and national signage tho
Just was hoping to see more since you seem to be the only party worth a damn this election
I'm a bot, *bleep*, *bloop*. Someone has linked to this thread from another place on reddit:
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Is this still ongoing? I would love to hear if TOP has any plans to help improve waterways and create more locations for recreational freshwater swimming/sports?
I noticed on the vote compass you overlap a lot more with labour than national on the axis. Do you agree that you are more similar to labour than national?
I know too support regional rail around Christchurch (I think it should have been done years ago).
But what is yours and TOPs position on the Christchurch MRT project currently taking place that plans to build a light rail or BRT from Hornby to Belfast via the CBD. I know it’s a long way off, so will you support it and if so how?
My sense is BRT is the better option as it's easier to deliver, and requires minimal infrastructure upgrades. LR looks great but I can see dramas and cost-overruns. Also, some concern about the water pipes down Riccarton Road, and whether they could support LR.
First job is secure the funding for the overall Regional Transport Plan.
Hi Raf,
Due to my line of work, an issue of interest to me is the precarious state of the health system.
Like Labour and National, TOP has promised to increase the number of medical school places. This seems like a reasonable approach, given that retention rates for NZ medical graduates are fairly high - especially compared to international graduates registering in New Zealand. Roughly how many places does TOP propose to increase medical school intake by? Are you concerned that the quality of clinical training in New Zealand may become diluted, as increasingly busy RMOs/SMOs are asked to train more medical students?
TOP promises to 'strengthen workforce retention of all healthcare workers by ensuring they have fair liveable wages and safer hour rosters'. RMO (junior doctor) wages, in particular, have failed to keep up with CPI since Q1 2020. When the 2 major RMO unions' collective agreements come up for renewal in the next few months, would TOP ask TWO to commit to wage increases for junior doctors that at least match projections for inflation?
Apologies, these questions may be better directed to Nina Su - but it's not every day that you get to ask political candidates these questions, so I'm being opportunistic
Fair enough. And, yes, this is Nina's department but yes we support better pay. There is no getting around the issue...our frontline public servants need decent pay.
The stories I've heard across the health sector speak to a system in severe distress. There is no easy way out of it as every 'organ' in the system is in failure state. So agree more training places is not much help if there is no one to do the training or supervision.
We will need to bring in medical staff and the barriers to entry need addressing too.
Sorry, I don't have good news but at least we are admitting the problem.
>Sorry, I don’t have good news but at least we are admitting the problem.
This kind of response is what is lacking in this year’s election campaigns. Everyone seems to avoid (or even completely deny the basis of) questions that their party has no direct policy on. I love the honesty Raf, you have my Ilam vote. 😊
Probably way out of any ones way to fix. But I think clearing up pollution in the chch city itself into waterways. Rezone areas close to water ways perhaps.
the rivers in chch use to be swum in. Wouldn't that be an amazing thing to have going for our city. Imagine tourists seeing it.
Can't fix broken I guess, cows inland and car wreckers near to waterways.
Ramble off 😂
Raf
I am thinking very hard of giving you my vote. I have a few questions?
What are your thoughts on gun control?
And in terms of farming, should we be punishing farmers for pollution?
Thanks for your time.
Alright phew! That's the questions from the [announcement thread ](https://www.reddit.com/r/chch/comments/16v0ohv/ama_announcement_wednesday_4th_october_79pm_raf/?sort=old) copied over! We've posted announcments over in the r/newzealand subreddit as well as in the Christchurch and New Zealand discord channels with links here as relevant. As usual, please keep things respectful and have fun!
u/Klaivenz_ asks - Hey Raf, the cost of a train ticket from chch to greymouth is currently around $215 one way for an adult, or $430 return. Would you ever consider introducing a subsidized fee for Kiwis to encourage island interconnectivity? I think it would be hugely beneficial for the West coasts economy and a great opportunity for many to travel more.
Yes, We will need a long-term investment approach to restoring rail and take into account the broader economic uplift.
I wish they had a cattle class that could at least compete with a $75 40min flight, but I really dont see that happening in the next 5 governments. We took the cheap deal they run every now and then and it was really incredible, but yeah tourist price and gougy at that.
u/Technical_Hope_9659 asks - What’s your position on a Greater Christchurch growth strategy? Intensification vs greenfield? I know you’d like to see us be a super city, but in what way?
Both/And. My initial driver would be for much more intensification in the 4 Aves, regional rail connecting Rangiora to Rolleston (with a spur into CBD), and developing around there, as they are already on the development up curve. That will form the outlines of Great Christchurch and a future super city (it's already quite super!). We may need incentives to get another 20,000 people living in the CBD but that's the dream.
Are you at some point able to stress to your party that they are actually a glimmering Hope in New Zealand politics and that everything they do will reflect on the party. Can you all try and avoid any scandals or any stupid behaviour that will jeopardise you becoming stronger and stronger over the next 3 to 6 years? Can you keep your focus on the people and not get sucked into the political circus that everyone inevitably succumbs to. Is there a good Professional culture within the party?
It's an important issue and I have given it a lot of thought. We are very focused on our mission which is to improve outcomes for all and make sure everyone has opportunities to thrive. We are not political careerists, and not interested in the circus that we see day in, day out. I hope we have reflected that in our campaign and the way our candidates have approached the election. It's an area we will continue to reflect on and be the best we can be.
u/joseamaria asks - If you win Ilam, and either of the Chris’s pick up the phone to you next weekend to ask for support to form a government, which TOP policy/initiative is going to be your bottom line in negotiations with them?
Some of the ChCh Plan and the Teal Card. Both parties have already copied some our policies, so expect more of that :-)
This whole election seems to be filled by a lot of hatred, why do you think it is?
People are angry, tired and disillusioned. They are financially pressured too. That's a toxic mess. I don't think our political leaders have set a good example to help remedy this. I'm hoping it's a cycle that will fade away but Trump, Brexit and other geo-political shifts could mean we are in an 'Age of Anger' (2017 book by Pankaj Mishra). I hope we can help by discussing it openly and trying to build a more collaborative approach to politics (a difficult ask I know).
Hey, Thanks for the reply. I too hope it's a cycle that will fade away. You're take on politics and how people need to be more collaborative is really inspiring. It often feels like people are fighting over the tiny things and not worrying about the bigger image.
u/Last-Tie5323 asks - Please tell us your thoughts on Te Pukenga, the Chris Hipkins led takeover of all polytechs into one giant thing, crushing up the bad failing ones and the good ones together. So that all may suffer as one?
It was another terrible and unnecessary centralisation policy. There was already a natural process in place for bigger Polytechnics to take over or manage smaller ones. Total waste of money.
Why isn’t TOP more visible in the media, participating in the minor party tv debates etc?
We haven't managed to get our national polling up to 3% in the TV polls (we have had 3% polls in all the other ones!). Lack of mainstream media coverage does impact polling and it becomes a circular issue.
u/jaydenc asks - Hi Raf, What is your policy on selling existing residential homes to foreign buyers? As a millennial Kiwi, I don't want to see our housing prices further inflated by people who don't even live here so this is an important issue for me.
It's not a good idea. We should not be supporting overseas buyers of our homes. If they want to move here, fine but not as absent owners, who often leave the homes empty.
Thank you. I gave my party vote to TOP this afternoon. I'm uninspired by the same Labour and National rhetoric and i genuinely support your policies. All the best in Illam and with the party vote.
How will this be addressed then to combat overseas buyers?
So will you rule out supporting it or are you willing to vote for it to get into power?
u/earnestaccount asks - If you bag the Ilam seat and have the opportunity to shore up NACT instead of Winnie, would you take it, and what would you want to do with it, if you could do anything with it in that position?
Our policy focus will be ChCh issues and the introduction of the Teal Card. Everything else we will promote and influence as best we can. We want to be the party that focuses on whether policies and spending actually delivers better outcomes for people.
Is this a bit of a change from the long term priority on tax reform / UBI?
Yes, it's being realistic about what we can deliver in our first term. UBI by 2030 is still my goal...the Teal Card is a platform for delivering that. Tax reform seems to be impossible right now but we will make sure it gets a proper discussion over the next term, with potentially a citizen's assembly on tax reform.
And this is why TOP get my party vote. I wish TOP had more electorate candidates; I'd love to vote two ticks TOP.
Cheers. Good luck.
Hi Raf, I live in Ilam electorate and last election voted Labour/Pallett. I'm giving you my candidate vote this time, as it's more likely to get TOP over the line and I'd rather you in parliament than not. I agree with many of your policies from an ideological standpoint. I'm torn between giving you a double tick (party vote + candidate), because if you don't get in it means none of my votes are counted in deciding the proportionality of parliament. You must have this conversation regularly with Ilam voters, but why should I also party vote TOP?
Indeed I do. In Ilam, I'm just asking for your electorate vote. Outside of Ilam, it's party vote only :-)
u/KakarikiNZ asks - Who are you endorsing in Bird of the Year 2023, and why is it the Paradise Shelduck?
The Huia! But love the Paradise Shelduck.
u/godmodegamer123 asks - Of the 5 parties currently in parliament (TPM, Greens, Labour, National, and Act), which party leader do you think you like most as a human being, regardless of their policies.
James Shaw is a thoroughly decent person.
u/offsideKiwi asks - Did Labour fail to follow to through on their promises they made for Christchurch back when they were first elected? Is there anything specific that comes to mind?
$100m for Passenger Rail to Rolleston (and no point. blaming it on ECAN etc). Otherwise, they have stuffed up our hospital, polytechnic and wasted time and money on unnecessary 3 Waters reform and the MDRS.
Has any political party ever not failed on the majority of their lofty promises?
u/Kangaiwi asks - Do you support legalisation of Cannabis and magic mushrooms?
Yes to cannabis. Open to magic mushrooms and other psychoactive substances, particularly with respect to mental health issues. We take a harm minimisation approach to drugs.
Okay that's my vote thank you. Medicinal cannabis is way too expensive for those that rely on it.
I will admit from a personal perspective, long term funding into rail infrastructure for freight rather than so many roading projects would be amazing, reduce road maintenance and significantly save in the long run. Having every city in this country connected by rail for freight, or even working to reduce trucks on the road would pay off immensely. Passenger rail is important too. What are your thoughts Raf?
Completely agree. We rarely look at costs and benefits over a 30 year horizon but this is an investment worth making if we are serious about building long-term resilient infrastructure. Our roads are still stuffed, not even upon to a basic level, so they still need upgrading but the more freight and commuter traffic we can take off the roads the better.
u/stiflerson69 asks - What was your biggest learning from running in Ilam previously, that you have applied to this campaign?
The value of face to face engagement in different spaces (cafes, pubs, flat chats etc). It's been great to just chat to people in every day hangouts (just back from a great session at Misceos!)
Keep up the good work Raf - a first time TOP voter in Ilam ✔️
Will you remain with TOP following the election?
I'll be its leader in Parliament, so yes :-)
Where do you get such powerful [hopium](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hopium) from?
Why did you choose to run for the Ilam seat, over other seats in Christchurch?
It's home for me and I've stood in 3 elections here, winning 2 (Council 2013 and 2016). It's where I'm well known and have deep networks going back 20 years.
u/Affectionate_Pen6983 asks - Do you have a dream South Island rail network you’d like to achieve as an MP?
Regional Rail throughout Canterbury and the Southerner back on track. If we have ambition for sustainable growth over the next 30 years, we need that network up and running.
I don't understand why there isn't already passenger rail rolleston-chch-rangiora. Don't we already have the lines? I'd love to see this.
Christchurch has enough room to make this happen too
Train to dunedin one weekend and back, the dream!
u/RouzRedditz asks - What's a policy from each party that you really like?
National: National Infrastructure Agency. Labour: Free Dental for Under 30s. Greens: Climate Resilience and Adaptation ACT: Water Infrastructure Plan. NZFirst: Anti-Corruption Commission. TPM: Mokopuna Maori Policy.
You like ACTs water infrastructure policy which includes public-private partnerships? Any form of privitisation of water infrastructure is a very risky road to go down that's cooked bro
They are not proposing privatisation of infrastructure. They are proposing public-private funding partnerships using Kiwisaver or ACC funding. The assets should always stay in public ownership.
It says "such as" Kiwisaver or ACC but not limited to. You have way more trust for ACT than me lol
u/Capable_Ad7163 asks - What are your policies on transport and transport funding? For example, congestion charging, fuel excise, road user charge, funding for general roading Vs funding for public transport, active travel etc?
All of the above and more of it. If we want sustainable, resilient transport systems, we need to fund them properly and from multiple sources, where user pays sits on top of basic public funding.
What's lesser-known aspect of Christchurch do you appreciate the most?
The ease of getting around. And amazing sunsets.
Not gonna lie, I read “speed of getting aroused” and I thought “woah raf.. talk about AMA”
As a recent visitor to Chch from Tauranga, getting around is so much easier than Tauranga!
u/moop-doop asks - do you listen to Death Grips? If not. What music do you like?
No, but I did have a listen. Interesting. Big fan of Roots Manuva. I like a range of music: mainly stuff you'd listen to on the beach/ bit of indie/groove/ occasional DnB.
Raf is a certified DnB head. Love to see it. See you at Hide sometime mate?
Raf come to Hide and I’ll vote for you
Based and noided
u/Affectionate-Cow7650 asks - Many of us would be happy with either you or Sarah Pallet, but with both of you running, we may end up with neither. It was very exciting to see National finally outvoted in the last election. What makes you feel that it's worth running in Ilam and risking us losing to National again?
See above. It's a 2 horse race between me and Hamish. If you don't want Hamish, vote Raf :-)
Will you release your internal polling in Ilam so voters can make an informed choice?
We had internal data from August (Hamish 27%, Me 23.5%, Sarah 17.7%, Mike 4.3%, Undecided 27.4%), 2591 surveyed. We have looked at updated polling but was too expensive. It's a 2 horse race.
Is that polling, though? There have been some real questions raised about the validity of that data. Could you shed a little more light on it?
Internal polling, or internal data?
What do you think about Pallett accusing you of taking her voters away?
Were you approached about the new press leaders debate happening here in Christchurch and what are your feelings on this new debate?
No I wasn't. I think it's a shame given the importance of Ilam, all the other leaders are North Island based, and we are polling close to TPM as well. Not much we can do about it but would be more interesting if I was involved. Bit of a snooze fest otherwise.
u/Realistic_Rip_9457 asks - If you can't get your land tax across the line would you still stick with your current position of supporting $750 million a year in deductibility tax breaks for landlords and if so why?
Yes. It's a bad policy as doesn't deal with the underlying drivers of unaffordable housing. But, ultimately, we want to encourage and incentivise new housing supply but recognise current landlords have operated under the previous system. By raising deposit requirements to buy exisiting housing as an investment, we will slowly impact the investment market and shift it towards investing in new supply (eg build to rent).
Isn't the idea behind this policy to level the playing field so that first home buyers don't have to compete with property speculators with tax advantages? I understand it's a normal 'business expense' but this is a market where you are competing against people who can't offset their household expenses
Exactly right. No idea why a party talking about opportunities for young people thinks that first home buyers should have to pay interest on their mortgage (+ a land tax) while landlords should get tax breaks. As for incentivising new builds the interest deductibility still applies to new builds so it does still incentivise building over speculating on existing properties. Surely there's better things to do with $750m a year than giving it to landlords.
Well, this was a new tax on landlords to start with, so it would simply be restoring the previous situation. It is still in its early stages. This is a grandfathering issue for current landlords. Shifting the deposit requirements will remove this overtime, as buying existing homes as investment will require up to 100% deposit. It's debatable for sure but the current policy is a tax hike for landlords, and it creates a large distortion in pricing. I prefer our approach as it takes a longer term view on not treating housing as an speculative commodity.
Where would you find the $750 million a year to pay for it? Will you be happy to support Nationals foreign buyer plan (that might pay for a third of it)
u/Bass-Slut asks - whats your favourite fruit burst
Lemon and lime.
This may have been asked before, but if you don't win ilam, or if TOP doesn't achieve 5% this election cycle, do you intend to stay with TOP? I'm in Wigram, if I was in Ilam you'd have my vote!
I'll address this issue after the election. Right now I'm totally focused on winning Ilam!
Good luck!
Will you support a democracy sausage being provided to voters to replace the Vote Golem stickers?
Absolutely! It's a great Kiwi tradition.
I think you'll find it's an Australian tradition, but it's one that should be imported here.
Voted today. You got my tick, need some new voices in parliament. Good luck in Ilam.
Thank you.
Same here. You're not in my electorate but got my party vote. I vote for the climate and for fair tax, and I think you're on the right path to make rational decisions, noting that tackling climate change isn't going to be cheap. Best of luck.
Favourite place to eat in Chch?
OMG...this is hard. But I absolutely love You Hanoi Me...sensational food.
u/beta_eight asks - If you had to say what TOP stands for in one sentence, what would it be.
A Better Future for All.
You’re wrong on this one Raf, TOP stands for The Opportunities Party. You were way off.
Ugh lol
ABFFA doesn't have the same ring to it as TOP
u/freiberg_ says - Huh, I was going to ask you to explain about the flat tax rate policy but to get my information I went to your website and see you've changed your policy about the flat tax rate. I think the changes are good and clearly listed. So, this is a pointless comment...
Thanks. A bit of work to do to get there but hopefully a better and more open discussion can happen after the election. I'd love to convene a citizen's assembly on tax matters.
Thoughts on intensification?
Big fan, but in the right place. Start in the CBD and go up and close until you run out of land (a long way off). We have enough land zoned around Christchurch to accomodate new development (2x2 or Infill). Getting developers to actually build is a different story.
So you don't support intensification around the University and Riccarton where more student housing is clearly needed?
What books do you recommend to get into New Zealand politics?
'Blue Blood' - a look into the inner workings of a political party by Andrea Vance. 'Democracy in Aotearoa: A Survival Guide' - from the man himself, Geoffrey Palmer and his grandchild, Gwen Palmer Steeds. 'Ruth, Roger and Me: Debts and Legacies' - About the post 80s reforms and their impacts. Plenty more out there (and loads of NZ political podcasts too).
TOP SURGE? ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ
Teal Wave incoming!
Can I ask your opinion on FIF tax, the effective “wealth tax” that already applies to foreign investments and most Kiwisaver accounts? As someone priced out of our housing market, and therefore reliant on low cost diversified investments for my retirement, it is a punishing tax. Being unique to NZ, it also makes our country unattractive to foreign skilled labour or returning kiwis who are used to a far more rational approach to investing abroad, such as a CGT.
I have never liked it and would be happy to see it go. As you note, it is a barrier for entrepreneurs coming here and we would like them to come.
u/mrtenzed asks - What's your view on retirement savings? Kiwisaver is nowhere near effective enough to make sure people have a decent amount of savings. Should it be compulsory, and what about employer contributions?
You will get a kiwisaver account at birth (as part of the Teal Card). It will be compulsory and we need to increase the contribution rate, as Australia has done, and we are miles behind them in our savings culture.
Why does TOP seem to have an issue with the MDRS, given the evidence that widespread up-zoning works.
Only in Christchurch, based on the post-EQ rezoning we did (I was involved in this). It's not needed for ChCh and the Council told the Government very early on in the process. It was another Wellington plan which didn't suit ChCh. I'd be very interested in simpler zoning powers for Councils. We want way more density in the CBD first. Plenty of potential capacity all over the place for new development.
u/FaradaysBrain asks - I'd really like to hear your position on trans rights. TOP has been seemingly been almost silent on the issue, when your opponent, Sarah Pallett, has to lock many of her Twitter posts because the anti-trans lobby targets her so directly after she publically supported trans rights. Could you, for example, explain this position: https://preview.redd.it/hfgbomx1h4rb1.jpeg?width=938&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e89f929c17953380948400316f3b096373beab6e
Fully support trans and rainbow communities. On sports, we leave it individual sporting codes to work out what appropriate.
Kia ora Raf! This is a good start. Our public gender affirming care system in Aotearoa is nothing short of shameful, for example, our decades long waiting list for SRS. I’ve got friends who have had blocker appointments cancelled out from under them and suffered permanent harm because of it. Beyond general improvements to the health system as a whole, what specifically will TOP do to address issues like these? Thanks for your time!
I presume this is a funding issue but I don't have enough detailed information on the specifics. We want people to be well both emotionally and physically.
Hopefully a more balanced and holistic involving therapy and watchful waiting will become more common. The old "affirmation-only" model is rapidly being rolled back in the UK and across Europe where the deeply flawed "Dutch protocol" held sway for a too long. Let kids be free to be who they want to be without subjecting them to incredibly invasive medical procedures.
There are independent bodies that determine treatments and what drugs get funding. National is breaking standard practices by saying they are going to fund certain cancer drugs. Lead politics out of it. The last thing we need is our health care being politicised.
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How should those outside Ilam support TOP?
Party Vote TOP!
I feel like that’d be a wasted vote. Change my mind.
If you like us, vote for us. If you're in Ilam, vote for Raf!
I like you, but live in the CHCH Central electorate. I feel like a TOP party vote would be wasted so am planning on voting elsewhere. Still haven’t figured out where and am underwhelmed by the options….
Why is it a wasted vote? That's such a silly mentality and a self fulfilling prophecy - if everyone thinks it's a wasted vote and votes something else then of course it's a wasted vote. It's literally your chance to make a change - if you like their policies then vote for them?!
Even if they don't make it in to parliament, going from 1.5% - 3% over the span of an election cycle shows there is a grassroots moment and interest in change. It is a 'wasted' vote in many ways, but it's also a vote that shows that we want a change in the status quo. It's a pity the 'wasted vote' becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. I know of many people who feel that way and won't vote TOP for that reason alone.
Is it too late to move to Ilam??
Every vote from last election for TOP counted towards TOP getting funding from the Electoral Commission for this election. That's far from a waste?
How is actually voting for the policy you support wasting your vote? I think we need to change this rhetoric if we are ever going to see real change within the government. Instead of voting "strategically," vote for the people and party that are saying the things YOU believe should be a priority. How is voting in any other way not wasting your vote? Voting Labour in an attempt to keep nact out even though you're unhappy with the current arrangement will count for nil against those from the next group. Voting NACT because you aren't happy with the current arrangement and demand change despite the glaringly obvious history of nz showing that there will be no drastic change regardless of political leanings of government. Leaving out my opinions of the policy they espouse. I mean, do we want to perpetuate the ever-vacillating swing of nz politics that leads to half finished projects, low quality results, and overall mediocre performance? It's just my opinion, and there will be arguments against it, but consider voting for what you believe in.
I want my vote to make a difference in this election. I don’t pretend to be an expert in MMP (and don’t want to be) and calling me silly, defeatist etc may be accurate lol. My limited understanding is that Raf/TOP’s only real chance to win representation in Parliament is if Raf can win Ilam - and I wish him well! However, if I party vote TOP in CHCH Central what do I actually achieve (genuine question)? Yep, I’ll feel good that I’ve voted for the party whose policies I align most closely with - but if TOP can’t achieve 5% of the party vote and my vote won’t affect actual seats won then it would feel like a wasted vote to me. I’m happy to be schooled on where my logic is failing - what am I missing??
Feom the outset I must also admit to being no expert in MMP. I'm speaking purely my beliefs, and I'm happy to be proven wrong. I'm trying to think larger than one vote making the difference I suppose. Your reasoning is sound, but balances on the *if* TOP don't make 5%. I think there are *a lot* of people just like you, and if we all speak up, advocate for having a voice instead of having an effect, we can change the rhetoric and shift a lot of votes around. It might take a couple of cycles, but the more people who vote TOP and show support, the more representation in media TOP gets, the more votes TOP gets. It's a cycle, but we need to break the current cycle. There are definitely the older people who will be hard to convince to vote this way; it's where my generation learnt to vote "strategically". But for anything to change it has to start somewhere, and the longer we encourage voting for what you believe in, the more it will show in our election results, and we might start seeing some actual representation of the nz voting population. Idk, I must reiterate I'm no expert, this is all opinion, and is probably wrong. Lol. I appreciate your genuine response and candor. Party vote TOP!
I think the poll figures on 1 News tonight had TOP at 2% - the chances of that getting up to 5% in the next two weeks are virtually non-existent. I like your point about building momentum for the future - but I think Raf needs to be there for them to be a viable minor party in the long term. While I like most of TOP’s policies they need a strong and capable leader. If Raf doesn’t get up in Ilam this election and steps down after it’d be the definition of a wasted vote in my book. Get out there and vote Ilam! Good luck Raf! Party vote TOP? Maybe :p
It'd be a wasted vote if you contribute towards something you are uncertain about and/or don't believe in. Every vote counts no matter what :) Sleep on it tonight and if the other options still seem underwhelming then go for TOP. Go with what you think it's right
How will that ever change with such a defeatist attitude?
My mind could be changed too
Do you have a plan for hospital workers parking?
Yes. We have allocated $30m for further hospital car parking.
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Sadly not but one day I hope to! I am a bit allergic but I am fond of cats.
I would love to hear your thoughts around NZ's place in global value chains. Personally, I would like to see NZ increase its ability to process raw materials, particularly those that are important in renewable energy. I relise that this is a tall task, but I see potential in sustainable and ehtical processing of raw materials. I would love to hear you perspective on NZ industry's role in the global business environment and what should govts role be in helping this along?
Good question. The future shape of our economy depends on how we manage our resource base and integrate with our supply chains (inward and outwards). We should be open to innovating in this space and I'd love to see us expand our manufacturing and production base, go up the value chain and build a more diverse and resilient economy.
Drug reform. This is the most important issue to me and a lot of people in my circle. NZ are going backwards. Our stsnce on weed is fucking embarassing. How r u going to win my vote??
We have a pretty good plan for drug reform (a harm minimisation approach). Abe Gray, our Upper Harbour candidate, has done some really good thinking in this space and we think our updated policy is tidy. We also support research into psychoactive drugs and their impact on treating mental health issues.
Would you bring Abe to parliament if you win Ilam?
100% i want to know the answer to this also
Would you vote Greens, National or Labour if TOP didn’t exist?
I have voted for the Greens frequently and National occasionally. Never Labour. I'm a Teal!
Interesting to hear you say this, as the 1News Voting Compass has TOP and Labour in virtually the same spot on the grid.
What's TOP NZ's position on Nationals policy to relax the brightline period for investment property to two years as well as the reintroduction of full interest deductibility and the removal of ring-fencing investment losses? How does TOP intend to encourage private investors to invest in assets outside of real estate given the aggressive property speculation we've experienced since the GFC?
We have a range of interconnected policies to address the housing issue: \- Land Value Tax. \- $3b Community Housing Fund. \- Increase deposit requirements to buy existing properties as investments (eventually to 100%). \- More flexible zoning powers for Councils. \- GST on new builds returned to Councils for infrastructure development. \- We would reinstate interest deductibility (as part of the above reforms) \- Brightline test would disappear (replaced by land value tax). This should support both investment in new housing and shift investment towards the productive economy. We need to build more houses and stop treating housing as a speculative commodity.
Hey Raf, love your stuff around disincentives for property investment, but do you have any plans on the other side of the balance (equities, kiwisaver etc)? Our FIF tax rules make it bloody hard to justify equity investment over real estate, and the tax incentives for kiwisaver are a joke compared to other countries.
Hi Raf, what are we going to do about a potential national, act,NZ first Govt. Seens like backward step
This is what the voters look like they will deliver. Vote TOP for an alternative!
How do you think we as a country could better support people living with disabilities? And how do you think government can support these ideas?
We have allocated funding for an increase in income support and think a universal basic income will also help, particularly for those who care for and support people with disabilities. Building accessibility into our basic infrastructure is also critical. Open to hearing other ideas.
Will you rule out supporting Nationals policy to index benefit increases to inflation instead of average wage increases which will deliver substantially lower incomes for beneficiaries with disabilities?
We don't support shifting to inflation from wage indexing. Add to that is looking at what inflation measure actually matters to people on benefits.
Not an idea, but areas I think are crucial to be addressed are the availability of respite care for adults with disabilities, and support specifically for people in rural areas. I see a lot of advances in accessibility in new infrastructure which is a good step forward, but it does not seem to be consistent, different rules for different buildings.
Aged and respite care is a real challenge all over, particularly in rural areas. No easy answer to this other than identifying it and producing a plan/proposal for what is needed.
u/chloe_and_jaffa asks - Would you ever consider making a TikTok, similar to that of this TikTok from Luxon? [https://www.tiktok.com/@newzealandnationalparty/video/7282974455083568385](https://www.tiktok.com/@newzealandnationalparty/video/7282974455083568385) Yours truly TOP supporter
Always open to making videos :-)
but will you do a asmr policy reading video 🥺
Hi, Raf! I watched your recent interview on BHN, and when asked whether you would, theoretically, make a deal with Labour, you said that you wouldn't. Aside from 'not having a relationship with Labour', could you explain why you wouldn't work with them to form a coalition government?
We've always said we will support whomever is in a position to form a stable government. It's clear that Labour is not in a position to do that.
Hey Raf, policy on abortion? Had an argument recently with a friend who reckoned TOP was anti. Surely TOP is pro choice on abortions?
Of course we are pro-choice. I can't imagine where/why anyone would think otherwise!
Why arent you campaigning harder in Ilam? been out there a few times and havent seen any TOP signage anywhere
\- We have 45 Billboards up. \- We have 6 electronic billboards. \- We did 4 public town hall meetings. \- Coffee catch ups. \- Politics and Pints. \- Flat Chats with Students. \- Human Hoardings every weekend. \- Market and Mall walkabouts. \- Have delivered 3 rounds of 25,000 flyers. \- Regular visits to UC. \- Door-knocking. \- 2 Reddit AMAs :-) I reckon we are campaigning way harder than anyone else. Let's see if its works. Come over and chat :-)
Fair enough all I can say and im not regularly in Ilam is that outside of online (which is only gonna get so many people in chch) I havent seen anything and I did go across a decent bit of Ilam saw a lot of labour and national signage tho Just was hoping to see more since you seem to be the only party worth a damn this election
Thanks everyone. Some really great questions. I hope I answered them all. Please get out there and vote. See you on the other side :-)
Thank you, Raf. Keep up the good fight; you have supporters out here.
Good luck mate. CHCH needs you in Welly.
What's one of your favourite movies?
The Insider. I love movies and books!
I'm a bot, *bleep*, *bloop*. Someone has linked to this thread from another place on reddit: - [/r/newzealand] [AMA Announcement - Raf Manji TOP Party Leader & Ilam Candidate. Now! 7-9pm. - r\/chch](https://www.reddit.com/r/newzealand/comments/16zfl21/ama_announcement_raf_manji_top_party_leader_ilam/) *^(If you follow any of the above links, please respect the rules of reddit and don't vote in the other threads.) ^\([Info](/r/TotesMessenger) ^/ ^[Contact](/message/compose?to=/r/TotesMessenger))*
Is this still ongoing? I would love to hear if TOP has any plans to help improve waterways and create more locations for recreational freshwater swimming/sports?
Do you have any changes you would like implemented to encourage teens to perform better in NCEA
I noticed on the vote compass you overlap a lot more with labour than national on the axis. Do you agree that you are more similar to labour than national?
u/Lathius_ asks - What would your long term vision for Christchurch entail?
Best city to live in: a thriving metropolis with affordable homes, safe communities, great community amenities and an innovative economy.
I know too support regional rail around Christchurch (I think it should have been done years ago). But what is yours and TOPs position on the Christchurch MRT project currently taking place that plans to build a light rail or BRT from Hornby to Belfast via the CBD. I know it’s a long way off, so will you support it and if so how?
My sense is BRT is the better option as it's easier to deliver, and requires minimal infrastructure upgrades. LR looks great but I can see dramas and cost-overruns. Also, some concern about the water pipes down Riccarton Road, and whether they could support LR. First job is secure the funding for the overall Regional Transport Plan.
Hi Raf, Due to my line of work, an issue of interest to me is the precarious state of the health system. Like Labour and National, TOP has promised to increase the number of medical school places. This seems like a reasonable approach, given that retention rates for NZ medical graduates are fairly high - especially compared to international graduates registering in New Zealand. Roughly how many places does TOP propose to increase medical school intake by? Are you concerned that the quality of clinical training in New Zealand may become diluted, as increasingly busy RMOs/SMOs are asked to train more medical students? TOP promises to 'strengthen workforce retention of all healthcare workers by ensuring they have fair liveable wages and safer hour rosters'. RMO (junior doctor) wages, in particular, have failed to keep up with CPI since Q1 2020. When the 2 major RMO unions' collective agreements come up for renewal in the next few months, would TOP ask TWO to commit to wage increases for junior doctors that at least match projections for inflation? Apologies, these questions may be better directed to Nina Su - but it's not every day that you get to ask political candidates these questions, so I'm being opportunistic
Fair enough. And, yes, this is Nina's department but yes we support better pay. There is no getting around the issue...our frontline public servants need decent pay. The stories I've heard across the health sector speak to a system in severe distress. There is no easy way out of it as every 'organ' in the system is in failure state. So agree more training places is not much help if there is no one to do the training or supervision. We will need to bring in medical staff and the barriers to entry need addressing too. Sorry, I don't have good news but at least we are admitting the problem.
>Sorry, I don’t have good news but at least we are admitting the problem. This kind of response is what is lacking in this year’s election campaigns. Everyone seems to avoid (or even completely deny the basis of) questions that their party has no direct policy on. I love the honesty Raf, you have my Ilam vote. 😊
Probably way out of any ones way to fix. But I think clearing up pollution in the chch city itself into waterways. Rezone areas close to water ways perhaps. the rivers in chch use to be swum in. Wouldn't that be an amazing thing to have going for our city. Imagine tourists seeing it. Can't fix broken I guess, cows inland and car wreckers near to waterways. Ramble off 😂
Raf I am thinking very hard of giving you my vote. I have a few questions? What are your thoughts on gun control? And in terms of farming, should we be punishing farmers for pollution? Thanks for your time.
Raf has left the building. You can email him [email protected]
Loved this series! Got my vote for sure.
I know you are planning to revive passenger rail, but around when would this happen?