imnofox, longing for more attention, spoke to Radio Live about the Waikato by-election with Mark Sainsbury

Mark: “Well, with just days before the voters of Waikato head to the polls, the race is closer than ever. Nobody knows who’ll win this traditionally National seat: the incumbent Greens, who won it in the massive upset last term, or the National Party, who are putting up a big fight to win back this seat. Right now, we’re joined with Prime Minister imnofox, former co-leader of the Green Party, and the saviour of Aoraki. How are you, Prime Minister?”

imno: “I’m good Mark. Great to sit down for a bit, to be quite honest. My feet are red raw from doorknocking throughout the Waikato electorate, and of course running back down to Wellington for question time every day did not help!””

Mark: “So, you’re standing UncookedMeatloaf- new co-leader, former Deputy Prime Minister for two terms, former Minister across a variety of portfolios. Why should Waikato elect him?”

imno: “Well Mark, you’ve just made a great case yourself. UncookedMeatloaf is one of few politicians with a proven record in parliament, and in government. He worked hard as a minister, delivering excellent health outcomes as Minister of Health, amazing work on climate change and conservation and Environment Minister, and his work when Aotearoa was struck by Cyclone Ella was absolutely essential, and we as a country would’ve been in a much worse position without his leadership. Even in opposition, Uncooked worked hard to secure the best results and hold the two terms of totally unstable National governance to account. That’s Green representation for you, and that’s what Waikato deserves.”

Mark: “Up until Kilroy followed AMN out of the Greens and into opposition like a dog, what was so valuable about a Green representing Waikato?”

imno: “When we won that by-election, which even we weren’t expecting, we put some significant environmental issues on the agenda. Unfortunately not on the agenda of the National/New Zealand First government, but we put those issues on the agenda. And I credit that for the awesome win we had last election, ushering in our cool new progressive government. It was through local advocacy that Greens secured a majority of the house in favour of ending mining in the Karangahake Gorge, and in all conservation land across the country. It was through local advocacy that Greens were able to strengthen water quality standards and put more investment into cleaning up our waterways, like the Waikato River. That is what local Green representation did. That’s what local government representation did. And I see no good reason to sacrifice that for a useless backbench MP in opposition!”

Mark: “Mental health has been a big priority of your government.”

imno: “That’s right Mark. New Zealand, unfortunately, has the highest youth suicide rate in the developed world. That is just inexcusable. And that’s largely result of the years and years of National governments neglecting our mental health services. Something that the dissolution of the Mental Health Commission under National really enabled. So yes, mental health has been a huge priority for this government, encompassing about $280 million of new spending to provide free counselling for under 25s, greater funding in youth mental health services, and more across the board. It’s really part of a huge swath of funding to make up for National Party neglect. Last term they cut Oranga Tamariki- the Ministry responsible for caring and protecting children from family violence and the like- they cut Oranga Tamariki’s funding by 29%, effectively wiping out any and all early intervention and prevention services. I think that fact alone showed how National has strayed far from the days of social investment, flawed as it was, that was the brainchild of Sir Bill English. When early data driven investment in people was seen as a priority- now, National’s more interested in cutting costs. We saw the same thing with DOC. The stronger the Greens are, the more local representation in regions such as Waikato- that is a strong mandate for the change New Zealand deserves and need.”

Mark: “What did National do to DOC?”

imno: “Ah, well. In term 3, the National government cut the Department of Conservation’s baseline funding by 50%, and did the same to their predator control funding, and Predator Free 2050. Which was devastating for DOC, and devastating for our many threatened birds, fish, lizards, and flora. In the midst of a biodiversity crisis, the National government decided to halve their resources and their rangers. We need as many people out there as possible setting as many traps as possible. We need to protect our birds, our native freshwater fish, our lizards. And that’s why, thanks to the strength of the Greens in parliament and in government, thanks to people like UncookedMeatloaf, we’ve been able to restore that funding, to allow the Department of Conservation continue to do the important work at the full capacity they need to do it at. Because that’s what our native species deserve. There is only one candidate in this race with a proven environmental record.”

Mark: “What do you think about the New Zealand First candidate?”

imno: “Jackbooted fascist. Next.”

Mark: “What do you think Uncooked’s chances are?”

imno: “Well, it’s always going to be a battle for the Greens in this electorate. Obviously it’s gonna be close between National and the Greens. But, the campaign has been strong, we’ve campaigned on our record and our values and our policies, and Waikato will make their decision. I’m hoping for a strong win, it’d be great to hold this government seat- and a vote for Uncooked is the only vote that counts, in that regard. I wish him all the best, and no matter what I know he’ll continue serving New Zealand proudly and with great strength and commitment.”

Mark: “Thank you for speaking to us this afternoon, good luck on the campaign, and we’ll see what happens on Saturday!” imno: “Thank you Mark.”