Welcome everyone to a very important day in the life of this party, we are here to contest our first election, and looking to make sure the voices of our regional communities is not forgotten in the political establishment of Wellington, where the wellbeing of our rural communities is not at the front of mind of anyone.

This needs to change, rural communities are the lifeblood of this country, and its primary industry export sector. It is extremely important that rural and regional communities feel they have a voice in affairs that impact them, and the work they do to make sure New Zealand is a good place to live, work, and play.

Thats why my pledge to you, the people of Te Waipounamu is simple. The Country party will bring a voice of these rural and regional communities to government, and ensure that everyone's voice is heard in relation to policies implemented by governments.

I plan to pledge to you some very important priorities for this party that will form the basis of any post election governance arrangments that the country party is involved with:

1. We will ensure that services including banks, post offices and medical practices are readily available to those in our more remote communities, and there is resources available to support relocation if medical care is required in a main centre.

2. Any policies implemented that would have a direct impact on regional/rural communities would consider the impacts that the policy would have on these communities, and the industries supporting the economic activity in our regional areas.

3. We would look to reserve funding for regional development schemes, promoting infrastructure, services, and community facilities to be built in our regional areas.

It is very important we look after our communities of all sizes, and Country pledge to do this. Thank you!