In the run-up to the general election on October 14, the Central App is introducing you to those running in Central Otago, whether for the Southland, Waitaki or Te Tai Tonga electorates.

We asked each candidate to comment on some issues of concern to Central Otago residents and elsewhere: housing and the cost of renting; the cost of living; the future of tourism; Christchurch International Airport’s plans to develop an international airport at Tarras; and one other issue they wished to address.

Today we hear from Naomi Maclean, Vision NZ candidate for Southland.

Naomi Maclean says 27 per cent of houses within the Queenstown Lakes District are unoccupied dwellings, with a medium rent above the national average. Those visiting the country for travel and working holidays as well as certain students and workers must pay a $35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.

“Vision NZ believes this needs to be increased to $100 per person and be directed to those areas of the country, like Queenstown, that experience a significant increase in population due to seasonal tourism, to help fund local infrastructure,” she said. 

Vision NZ would also limit the number of AirBnBs in major tourist towns and cities across the country, limit international property sales across the country, and ensure that tax dollars collected for local infrastructure are not redirected to fund other projects.

They would also re-assess the rural/urban zoning in areas like Queenstown to allow those requiring government accommodation supplements to qualify.

On the cost of living, Naomi said the party would put more in people’s pockets and less in the government’s. 

“We will reduce GST, currently 15 per cent, moving it down to 10 per cent - helping all Kiwis navigate the increased costs of living each week. We will resolve our energy issues with experts in the field, and reduce your energy costs. We will ensure more money for businesses, and less red tape.”

On tourism, Naomi started by quoting the words of the little-known third verse of our National Anthem, the line that says "make us then a mighty host". 

“Let us host our tourists and visitors well, forging generational relationships with each other. Vision NZ and Freedoms NZ want to see tourists come and experience a thriving New Zealand which is looking after all people, our land and have the means to welcome all who touch down here. We need to know the term 'regenerative tourism' has practical parameters. Many believe this term regenerative is about what the tourist is going to give us and what we can get away with taking in the process to offset any damage or impact. Tourism brings a billion-dollar contribution to our economy and it has to be conducted sustainably.”

Naomi said Vision NZ believes the Christchurch International Airport plans to build an international airport in Tarras require comprehensive and extensive ratepayer input. 

“Vision NZ and Freedom's NZ have policies to stop the overreach of our government, redirect funding back to local government, and put local decisions back in the hands of the local people,” she said. 

“Successive governments have progressively implemented rules that blanket everybody. We seek to give local businesses, farmers, schools, and families the ability and power to make their own decisions.” 

To answer the question directly, she said it was not a yes or a no, but a decision that should be made locally.

As the personal issue she chose, Naomi said empowering families was the heart of why the party does what it does.

“Family serves as the foundation of society, nurturing values, instilling behavioural norms, and shaping individuals' well-being across generations. It is time to restore the family as the fundamental building block of society, acknowledging its unparalleled influence on the mental, emotional, and physical health of children.

“Let's address the erosion of family values and the excessive intervention of the government by re-establishing the power within the home and promote generational thinking and living,” she said. 

“By rebuilding the family unit we bring strength to our nation.”

PHOTO: Supplied