BestInBounds is talking in Pokeno, a large group of people have gathered to hear him speak as he talks outside the local butchers.

Talofa Folks, thanks for coming out today. I know you're all very busy, working hard and earning an income for your families so i know time is precious. Pokeno is a bustling town with a bright future, and ACT's regional development plan will help places like Pokeno achieve their potential.

ACT is committed in its role to developing Rural New Zealand and our communities beyond the urban fringes, and ensuring prosperity reaches every edge of New Zealand, and that those who live in the country are not disadvantaged in the slightest. Our team have backgrounds in farming, and with the regions and thus are better placed than any other team to bring you the policies that matter, that will make a tangible difference in your communities. Where you can live better, more prosperous lives for you and your family to enjoy.

We commit to finding new markets for farmers and primary industries, so that they may access better avenues for trade. Better markets overseas, and fair prices for your work. So that our international success can be your success, and that we go where the prices are right, and put our farmers ahead in our trade outlook for the future. Drought is a keen subject that needs addressing as well, and ACT plans to maintain our previous commitment in this field. We'll expand our drought mitigation schemes throughout New Zealand - to help areas that struggle with drought, like North Otago, and supplement the anti-drought infastructure and combat the effects which are so debilitating on rural areas and farmers. Rural and Regional Poverty needs addressing as well, such inequality has plagued New Zealand for too long, and ACT will lead the charge in bridging the divide We pledge to slash rural poverty by 20% and fight for a more equal New Zealand. That is, one where everyone gets a fair go, regardless of where they are born in New Zealand, or if it is in or beyond the city limits. Finally we'll ensure that our future generations can live in and enjoy a clean green New Zealand! We'll do this by protecting our fresh waterways by implementing fresh water reforms with the advice of farmers - so that we can have healthier, cleaner streams and rivers. Implementing these reforms in a practical way and seeking a range of viewpoints to achieve the best possible outcomes.

But we need to create a better dialogue about change, moreso how we need to change to create a better future for our children. So that they can enjoy the benefits of living in our great nation - so that they can enjoy the outdoors, and go out and play with their friends in a clean green environment. We need sensible policy which protects this ideal, which protects their future, because that is what this is about - protecting them! We have a policy package that i believe will do just that, without unnecessarily alienating people or farmers, or with unnecessary bureaucracy which does more harm than good. We'll increase fines for violations of anti pollution law and make the pockets hurt of those who ruin our environment. We'll do our part as responsible pacific partners and accept climate refugees from nations struggling with the impacts of global warming and the rising tides. Public transport will be of new focus as well, and so will be creating a plan to encourage their use by the public. We'll also prevent local councils from obtaining consents to spill raw sewage into rivers and streams - consents which allow our land to be ruined and our streams polluted by wasteful AND LAZY councils! We must stop this practice, to put it simply - we must be better! The RMA will be replaced with a law that actually does something to enhance environmental protections, and isn't a convoluted mess of legislation which hinders development of all kinds. We'll also enhance our reporting systems, to get on top of problems when and where they happen as soon as possible. Our Carbon pricing will undergo an overhaul as well, so that we properly contribute to the global effort as a responsible global citizen. Finally the Paris climate accords, of which we signed, will remain a part of our focus. We will continue to maintain our commitment too the Paris Climate Accords. Sustainability is the question of our future, but I am confident that under ACT we can address these issues, but not only that - we can also prosper in a sustainable way!

Pokeno, your issues are my issues. You are in my electorate, it's a bloody big one, but I have pledged to visit every corner to discuss the issues that really matter. What future you want for your kids , because a smart man once said " A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." Let us grow those trees, maintain our rivers, and our responsibilities as good global citizens. We must ensure that not only do we have a future where you can succeed no matter where you come from, but that their is a future at all. One where they may enjoy the same benefits and Kiwi childhood we all had. Hanging out with their mates, enjoying the kiwi summer we all had as kids, and the priceless memories that came with. But further to that, we'll lead the development of our regions. Places like Pokeno, Pukekohe, Clevedon, - hard working towns, grafters like yourselves shouldnt suffer from the current levels of rural poverty that most of NZ suffers from as well, and I promise you this will be addressed, because we have a plan, and we will implement it.

Pokeno, thanks for your time, I wish you all a great day, and I hope you keep turning out to the events in such great numbers like today. Remember a vote for ACT is an investment in your future. Thank you all, and remember, Don't Delay, ACT!

Two Ticks ACT!