People should pursue dreams
Louisa Wall is the Labour Party candidate, and current MP, for Manurewa.
In the lead up to the general election, we go behind the billboards and party colours to give you a ‘first person’ insight into the aspiring candidates. We’re publishing their images in black and white so you can see them as people not just as politicians and political brands.
Getting candid: How long have you lived here and where are you originally from?
My wife Prue and I have lived here since 2011. I was born and raised in Taupo.
Give me three words that come to mind when I say ‘South Auckland’?
Potential. We have an abundance of potential as families and communities and some challenges to achieving our potential. Generosity. I’ve collected for Dementia Auckland for many years and last year our Browns Rd Countdown collected more donations than any other in Auckland. Diversity. We have languages, cultures and communities who know who they are and who celebrate our heritage identities with passion and pride.
I like Indian food from Punjabi Kitchen in Everglade Drive. I love butter chicken and garlic naan, which I have to eat in moderation.
What’s one piece of wisdom you’d like to pass on to others, particularly young people?
I had a dream when I was 13. I wanted to be a Silver Fern. It was easy to get out of bed to train and dedicate myself to my passion of playing netball for my country. Find your passion, find your path and pursue your dreams relentlessly.
What’s one trial or struggle
I played international sport until my early 30s but after a shoulder reconstruction, a snapped Achilles tendon and two knee reconstructions decided it was time to retire and I entered national politics. Different playing field but sport has kept me focused about playing with intent and purpose to create positive change for the communities I represent.
Who is the Kiwi you admire most and why?
Meri Te Tai Mangakahia, of Te Rarawa, as the wife of Hamiora Mangakahia, Premier of the Maori Kotahitanga Parliament, addressed the House in 1893 urging that women should not only be allowed to vote, but also to sit as members in the Maori Parliament.
When I’ve got a few free hours I like to…
Watch netball, rugby and any sport where New Zealand is playing internationally.
Tell us what your party’s policies will do for people in this community?
We’ll make sure our public health, education, social and other public services have the resources to meet community needs and aspirations. We’ll tackle unfairness, remove the growing gap between rich and poor, and reduce the rate of child poverty. We’re committed to reducing the gender pay gap to value women, eliminate family violence, and implementing the Living Wage ... Our housing policy will ensure housing speculation doesn’t drive property prices out of reach of ordinary New Zealanders, particularly our young people who are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase their first home and to provide sufficient state and social housing to meet the need.