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 The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand Waitaki Candidate Sampsa Kiuru

Name:  Sampsa Kiuru

Party:   The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand

Electorate:     Waitaki

Where do you live:   Clyde

Tell us why you are standing for your party:           

"The Green Party has achieved so much to create communities that work for all of us, but we need to do more. The Green Party will push any Government to go further and faster to address inequality, climate change, and the transition to a green economy."

Tell us a bit about yourself:

"Current job: Rural Hospital Specialist

"Background: Longstanding Green Party member, Dr. Sampsa Kiuru, has been selected as their candidate for the Waitaki electorate. On the Waitaki roll for many years, Sampsa lives in Clyde with his family and is involved with Clyde School PTA activities, local predator control and youth sports and is an avid bicyclist.

"Interests: I am a life-long learner, at the moment concentrating on Te Reo and NZ natural history. I also have a practical side, having helped build our house and I spend as much time as I can with the family, in the great outdoors, cross-country skiing, hiking and hunting."

What are the key issues you see facing this electorate? 

"Climate, Biodiversity and Community

"All our decisions from now on need to consider climate change and develop solutions that make our community more resilient and the environment healthier."

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?   

"I will continue to live with my family in Clyde. This is home.

"The Green Party makes all its decisions through a consensus process, which involves consultation and discussion with stakeholders."

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

"We will 'grasp the nettle' of climate change, which is the biggest threat to all communities and ensure that every 'Covid dollar' spent works double-time, future proofing our environment, economy and community. Imagine a Waitaki where waterways are healthy and allocated fairly, where 'Jobs for Nature' means our many pests are controlled, where our kids can afford a warm, dry home in the district they grew up in, where our communities are well-resourced with quality health care and educational facilities. The Greens recognise that a good future is where all New Zealanders are doing well - not just one constituency."

What is your stance on energy security of Central Otago?

"With a wealth of renewable electricity produced in this area, we should transition our energy demands to electric, including heating, transport and housing. We support community clean energy networks, and local energy generation and storage, instead of building more poles and wires. Through local clean energy generation we make our rural communities resilient during energy disruptions. Clyde spent the coldest day of the winter without power thanks to Aurora, and having a resilient local energy system utilising solar panels on homes/businesses/schools with back-up power stored in EV and home batteries would help us manage power disruptions together."

What are your thoughts on water quality in Central Otago? 

"Water is a taonga which must be protected. This government has introduced the strongest ever water reforms. For the first time, rules for water will prioritise ecosystem baselines and Maori cultural values. These changes mean water quality will improve over time, restoring our lakes, rivers and wetlands so people can swim safely, and freshwater species can thrive. 

"We will create a fair system for water allocation, improve urban water quality and supply by funding green infrastructure. We will support farmers to reduce run-off and the need for irrigation. This will include on-farm storage and distribution."

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?

"I think there are only advantages for Central Otago having more representation of the rural voice in Parliament. If the 2 M.P.'s come from different parties the strength of that voice increases as they will represent, between them, a wider range of views and solutions. This may allow for cross-party collaboration on issues - something the Greens are always keen to encourage."

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

"I have a broad perspective, having lived and worked in other countries and around NZ. As a doctor, I am used to processing complex information quickly and coming up with a constructive response. My job allows me to meet a wide range of people in the electorate and to see how they manage life in Aotearoa. I am a good listener and enjoy being part of a team, for example Clyde School PTA."

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?

"It is in New Zealand’s best interests that rural communities are resilient and good places to live. The Green’s would ensure that rural areas enjoy the same quality of public services as their urban counterparts. We also advocate strong regional spatial planning to ensure fringe developments protect significant natural areas and food production land, and are sited with potential public transport routes in mind."

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

"These are decisions for the individual, and as a Doctor it would not be appropriate to comment."

And the End of Life Choice Referendum?

"As above."

Anything else you’d like to add?

"Our country is at a crossroads. The decisions we make now will determine what kind of planet we pass on to our grandchildren who are also going to be confronted by climate change, the housing crisis, poverty and the cost of our 3 waters infrastructure rebuild. We need to put every dollar into solving these long term challenges. "