The stage was set for Grand Ice Yeti’s return to Otago. The first few drips of February rain were making their way down from the sky, seemingly picking up with every step the mp took up the stairs to the podium

Gathered on the brisk, rainy evening was a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters. Signs dotted the horizon, all marked with similar, progressive slogans. In front of his podium were a wide array of progressive groups, everyone from local trade unions to climate and education activists.

Upon reaching the podium, Grand Ice Yeti shook the hands of those gathered on stage. One by one, they promptly sat down in a chair to his right, forfeiting the floor to the freshman parliamentarian.

“Thank you! Thank you!”

His words were returned with a roar from the crowd.

“Thank you, everyone, for joining me on this special day. Today, we are officially launching our campaign in the Otago by-election.”

Cheers.

“First off, I would like to thank everyone here for a great term. We could not be where we are today if it wasn’t for your commitment to the vision of a more just New Zealand. We were given a mandate by the people of this great nation, and I am proud to say we are delivering. We are bringing a bold, progressive agenda to parliament, to the workplace, and to working people everywhere.”

The crowd, already riled up, broke into chants of “Three more years! Three more years!”

While serving in parliament, this government has introduced a myriad of policy cornerstones to be built upon in the near future. Whether it is tuition-free public tertiary education, an increased minimum wage, or a more democratic workplace, we are ready to prevail!

But I, like many of my colleagues, understand that parliamentary elections are not the end of the fight, but instead, just the beginning. Fundamentally changing New Zealand is not something that can be done by one man in the marble halls of parliament. It requires a movement, a working class movement - centered around justice, equality, and the economy.

It is high time that our country walks with workers, not on them. It is time that our country respects the dignity of work, not the greed of the few. And it is time that this country rallies around a popular, progressive platform of reform.

The true indication of progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have so much; it is whether or not we provide enough for those people who have so little.

The quest for transformative change will always be opposed by big business, by wealthy campaign contributors, and by the political establishment, but we will not be deterred!

Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one government as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hate for us, and we welcome their hatred!

The crowd joined in cheers and applause.

We are not afraid! With your support, we will carry the torch of revolutionary change to parliament once again. Together, we will make a New Zealand for the many, not the few; A New Zealand of equals!

Thank you and good night!”

The crowd erupted, as campaign signs danced in the rainy night sky. A smile overtook Grand Ice Yeti’s face as he saluted the crowd one last time before exiting the stage.