Key Takeaways
- Labour List MP Damien O’Connor will not seek to regain the West Coast-Tasman electorate in the November general election
- O’Connor has moved to Dunedin for personal reasons and will not be seeking to represent the West Coast-Tasman electorate
- He has represented the electorate for 33 years and is proud of his achievements, including helping constituents and securing government funding
- O’Connor’s decision provides an opportunity for a new Labour candidate to be selected
- National is also searching for a new candidate after Maureen Pugh announced her retirement
Introduction to Damien O’Connor’s Decision
Labour List MP Damien O’Connor has confirmed that he will not be seeking to regain the West Coast-Tasman electorate in the upcoming November general election. When asked about his decision, O’Connor stated that he has moved to Dunedin for personal reasons and will no longer be residing in the West Coast-Tasman area. Despite this move, O’Connor has remained Labour’s ‘buddy’ MP for the electorate. He emphasized that his decision to move on is not a retirement from politics, but rather a change in his personal circumstances.
O’Connor’s Background and Achievements
O’Connor has a long history of representing the West Coast-Tasman electorate, having done so for 33 years. He has held multiple ministerial portfolios in Labour governments and has worked tirelessly to support his constituents. Some of his notable achievements include helping constituents secure homes, obtaining government funding for various projects, and supporting the development of local industries such as tourism and dairy farming. O’Connor is particularly proud of his work in establishing Westland Milk Products as an independent dairy company and his efforts in expanding the Stockton mine and Oceana Gold’s Reefton gold mine. He believes that these achievements have made a significant difference in the lives of West Coasters and has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community.
O’Connor’s Future Plans
While O’Connor has ruled out seeking to regain the West Coast-Tasman electorate, he has not yet confirmed whether he will stand in a different electorate or seek a list place. He stated that these decisions will need to be worked through with the Labour party and caucus colleagues. O’Connor’s decision to move on provides an opportunity for a new Labour candidate to be selected, and he has already spoken to several individuals who are interested in putting their names forward. The Labour party’s list of candidates will not be finalized until February 1.
Impact on the Electorate
O’Connor’s decision to step down as the Labour candidate for West Coast-Tasman has significant implications for the electorate. The National party is also searching for a new candidate after Maureen Pugh announced her retirement. Former Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine is seeking New Zealand First’s selection, adding to the mix of potential candidates. As the election approaches, the people of West Coast-Tasman will be watching closely to see who will emerge as the new candidates and how they will shape the future of the electorate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Damien O’Connor’s decision to step down as the Labour candidate for West Coast-Tasman marks the end of an era for the electorate. O’Connor’s dedication and commitment to the community have been evident throughout his 33-year tenure, and his achievements have made a lasting impact on the region. As the Labour party and other parties begin the process of selecting new candidates, the people of West Coast-Tasman can look forward to a new era of leadership and representation. O’Connor’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered, and his contributions to the community will continue to be felt for years to come.
