Northland Labour candidate u/dyljam today went doorknocking in Kaitaia.

At the first house he visits, he is greeted by Phil. Phil explains that he has traditionally been a National voter, but doesn't believe that they place enough importance on properly funding our school system. Being a father himself, he is concerned that under a National government, our schools won't get the attention they deserve.

"Well firstly, Phil, thank you for your time. I am also concerned about education, and I know that we cannot risk a National government with our education system. That's one of the reasons I joined the Labour Party, because they know the importance of giving our kids a world-class education, regardless of their parent's incomes. This is in stark contrast to the National Party. We know that young people are our country's future. And, if elected, we vow to continue to increase funding to our schools. And we will also work to remove unnecessary means-testing for student loans and degrees, and ensure that those who are capable of paying, pay their fair share."

Phil is intrigued by Labour's policies. He asks what Labour would do, if elected, for our hospitals. He tells dyljam that his wife is a nurse, and he is concerned by talk he has heard about National decreasing funding to hospitals.

"Yes, I am very concerned by that too, Phil. I simply do not trust National with our healthcare system. But in the Labour Party, we believe that every New Zealander should have access to world-class healthcare, regardless of their income or their socio-economic status. If elected, we will protect our healthcare system. We will oppose any attempt by National, should they form government, to decrease health funding to or sell off our hospitals. We will introduce new legislation to protect our paramedics wherever in our country they may serve, and we will ensure that all healthcare employees are empowered through our labour policies. This includes protecting the right of workers to take part in solidarity strikes, protecting our unions, and ensuring that our workplace safety laws are the absolute best they can be. Unlike National, the Labour Party is committed to hospitals, and we're committed to protecting workers."

Walking up the driveway of the next house, dyljam is immediately hit with a delicious smelling aroma. He knocks on the door and is greeted with Reg. Reg's owner Natalie explains to dyljam that Reg is a two-year old pure white Alaskan Malamute. She also explains that she is in the middle of cooking dinner - a unique twist on her grandma's spaghetti dish. dyljam offers to leave so that she can get back to cooking, but she is keen to hear Labour's policies. Natalie explains that she has traditionally voted for the Green Party, but this time around she is considering voting for National. dyljam politely explains why he thinks this is a terrible, terrible idea.

"Well hi Natalie, I'm stoked that you're interested in hearing more about Labour's policies. We're delivering a sensible centre-left policy manifesto, and I'm proud to have the Greens endorsing me here in the seat of Northland. Labour is committed to improving education, health, transport and environmental outcomes across New Zealand and especially in Northland. We're also focussed on Maori and LGBT issues. Because we believe that all New Zealanders deserve to feel safe in their own country."

Natalie is interested in hearing about Labour's environment policies. She is very concerned about climate change, as well as local pollution.

"I'm with you on that, Natalie. That's why I'm proud that Labour is delivering a comprehensive assurance on protecting our environment. If elected, we will continue our fight against climate change that we have been focused on in our last terms of government. We are also committed to reducing New Zealand's emissions by continuing to lessen our reliance on fossil fuel sources of energy, instead opting for renewable sources of energy such as wind, hydro, solar and geothermal technologies."

Natalie is quite pleased with Labour's commitments and assures dyljam that she will be voting for Labour at this election. dyljam thanks Natalie and Reg for their time, before heading next door, where she finds Liam and Courtney, a young couple currently living in Liam's parents house, but wishing to leave for a place of their own as soon as possible. They are concerned that when Liam's parents sell up, they may become homeless, and are very interested in hearing about Labour's housing policies.

"I absolutely understand your desire to move into a place of your own. Unfortunately the market is increasingly become more difficult for first-home buyers to break into, and rent is through the roof. We are committed to ensuring that all Kiwis can get a place of their own. If elected, we will continue to increase the number of houses constructed every year. We increased funding for new state homes in our July budget, so our track record is clear. We also plan to implement new programmes to assist New Zealanders with getting into a home of their own, whether be owned, privately rented or state-owned. We believe that regardless of their situation, all Kiwis should be granted the opportunity to get a place of their own. And no New Zealanders should be forced to sleep rough on our streets. We will do all that we can to address this issue."

Moving down the street, dyljam meets Brenda, a semi-retired medical receptionist. Brenda is keen to hear what Labour plans in the way of Maori development.

"Absolutely, Brenda. Labour is committed to standing up for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo Māori, and the tangata whenua of Aotearoa. If elected, Labour will introduce legislation to establish a Maori governorship body, which will ensure that the principles of Te Tirit o Waitangi are upheld by our legislature, and will be elected by and for tangata whenua. We will continue to support increased educational achievement for tangata whenua. We'll will ensure that all early childhood and primary school teachers are equipped with the necessary resources needed to give lessons in Te Reo. We will also continue to defend Maori electorates across Aotearoa."

dyljam continues his trek across Kaitaia, meeting with locals and discussing how Labour's plan will work for them.