In this series of interviews in the lead up to the general election on 17 October, The Central App gives you the opportunity to learn more about your election candidates with a simple Q&A. 

The Central App sent out a questionnaire to all electorate candidates in both the Southland and Waitaki electorates, to give them the opportunity to introduce themselves to you in their own words. 

Central Otago is divided and represented by both Southland and Waitaki electorates. 

Today, The Central App put the questions to National Party Southland Candidate Joseph Mooney.

Name: Joseph Mooney

Party: National

Electorate: Southland

Where do you live: Queenstown

Tell us why you are standing for your party:

“I lived in the country as a kid and my parents worked on farms. A Labour government in 1984 brought in dramatic reforms which impacted a lot of people. My parents lost their work on farms as a result, and we did not have food on the table. I have worked hard to do well in my life, and believe in the values of equal opportunity, reward for achievement and that ensuring businesses (such as farms) can operate is the best way to ensure people have jobs that can keep food on the table for their kids in what will be challenging economic times ahead.”

Tell us a bit about yourself:

“Current job: Small business owner and trial lawyer

“Background: Married for 18 years with 3 children. 

“Born in Central Hawkes Bay, initially grew up in the country before family moved to the city when I was 14 years old. Didn't graduate from high school and did a number of years in the school of hard knocks, working in orchards, on farms, building sites, crayfishing, forestry, rafting, ski fields, among others. Got into building small businesses, and then decided to try studying law as an adult student with young children. Graduated with an honours degree in law, and have been a trial lawyer for the better part of ten years. Built my own law business in this region, working mostly in the courts in Queenstown, Alexandra, Gore and Invercargill. 

“Have been a volunteer firefighter and Army Reservist.

“Interests: Doing fun outdoor activities with my family. Skiing, mountain biking, paragliding, and kayaking to name a few of my other interests.

What are the key issues you see facing this electorate? 

“The most immediate issue in Central Otago is that the closure of the borders has meant many businesses do not have the staff they need to work in our orchards to thin, pick and pack the upcoming harvest. Central Otago has 200 people on the unemployment benefit, but needs approximately 5,000 fruitpickers this season.

“Other issues in the wider electorate are the loss of overseas tourists, lack of staff for our agricultural contractors who also rely on experienced overseas staff, so-called freshwater reforms brought in on the last days of government in August this year which are unworkable for our farming communities. Our health system is also not adequate and needs significant reform to better serve our communities in Central Otago and Southland.

“The key issue will be to support our businesses and our primary industries so that people have jobs to tide them through what the Reserve Bank says will be the biggest economic downturn in 160 years.”

If elected, how do you intend to keep up to date on local issues and close to the needs of the people in your electorate?

“By talking with our communities by travelling to see them, and by having electorate offices in key parts of the electorate where the community can come.”

What do you see as the key policies of your party that will make the biggest impact for the people in your electorate?

“Having a unified border agency and one responsible minister to make sure there is a clear line of authority to ensure the border is managed well.

“By focusing on getting key workers into New Zealand for our primary industries so they can pick fruit and work on our farms.

“By having a smart well-managed border which would create opportunities for high-value low-impact tourism.

“By supporting businesses

“By supporting the primary industry by repealing or reviewing the recent freshwater reforms to ensure they are drafted in consultation with our farming communities and are workable.

“Upgrading 171 aging bridges in Southland which need to be replaced within the next 12 years (and which are critical for the movement of goods in the region), and putting in passing lanes and safety improvements to the road between Queenstown and Te Anau.

“Investing in the health of our communities and making sure it gets to those in our rural communities - who usually get forgotten about in our current population based funding system.

“Funding a fully-independent cancer agency alongside a $200 million fund dedicated to cancer drugs. 

“Increasing the funding for childhood dental services by $30 million (30%) because there are currently 120,000 kids on dental waiting lists.

“Spending $4.8 billion in new spending over 10 years on repairing and rebuilding our schools, removing the registration costs for our teachers, and investing $160 million per year to support children with additional learning, behavioural and physical needs. Investing $150 million over 4 years to fund an additional six million hours of teacher aide support in classrooms.”

What is your stance on energy security of Central Otago?

“The community of Central Otago needs to have some form of ownership or at least representation in the management of its energy networks. The historic underinvestment in the power pole network over many years by Aurora Energy has demonstrated this need acutely.”

What are your thoughts on water quality in Central Otago? 

“A balance needs to be struck between the druve to have cleaner water particularly in the Manuherikia, and the mining rights to water dating back to the 18th century which have allowed the orchards to flourish, orchards which provide valuable jobs and income to Central Otago.”

Do you think it has any advantages/disadvantages that Central Otago is now going to be represented by two different MPs? What about if they end up being from two different parties?

“It will be an advantage having two MP's working for region, particularly two MP's from the same political party. Jacqui Dean and I get on well and will work well together.”

What skills and attributes do you have which make you believe you will be a good MP?

If you are standing for Southland, you have gained a whole bunch of new-to-your electorate voters, some of whom are concerned their voices will no longer be heard given they are now part of an electorate which also has Queenstown. What message do you have for them?

Jacqui Dean has served this community for many years while based in Oamaru which is a 3-hour drive away. I live in Queenstown and will only be a 55-minute drive away. I have been coming to Alexandra for many years to work in the court (as well as to walk and cycle around the area) and am both familiar with the area and a passionate fan of it. I am stoked that Central Otago will be part of the electorate.”

Where do you stand on the Cannabis Legalisation and Control Referendum?

“I am carefully considering my vote on both referendums as they are finely balanced in my view.

“Every voter will get the chance to decide on this referendum. The National Party is opposed to the legalisation of cannabis and is concerned about the harms that could flow from that. On the other hand I can say from my experience as a defence lawyer, youth advocate and mental health advocate, that I have seen great harm from the overuse of alcohol which is a contributing factor to much if not most offending, but I have only seen a handful of people who have driven with THC in their system and only 3 I can recall who have committed a crime because of cannabis (not including those who possessed cannabis for their own use or supply).”

And the End of Life Choice Referendum? 

“Every voter will get to decide on this referendum. It is a very difficult decision, because on one hand the Hippocratic oath to do no harm has underpinned our medical system for a very long time and I do not wish to see our palliative care system undermined, but on the other hand I believe in free choice and do not wish to see people suffer unnecessarily.”

Anything else you’d like to add?

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