Phew! That blimmon selection process was hard work – especially given who I was up against. To be selected from a line up of candidates like we had, is incredibly humbling. The reality is that the real work begins now – post selection.
Now what? Obviously I’m going to have to get on to the logistics – move office and deal with all of the complications that come with that. I’ve already started to schedule meetings with key people in Waitakere to further discuss the issues for the electorate. I’m going to have to sit down with our Waitakere Labour Electorate Committee to discuss our strategy. So much to do – but I’m really really looking forward to it!
The response from the Waitakere Labour members has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve received numerous texts, emails, facebook messages and phone calls – offering up their congrats and support. My family are obviously over the moon. They’ve seen how hard I’ve been working and knew how determined I was to be the Labour Candidate for Waitakere – there were tears of happiness from them on Saturday when the result was announced. They’ve been in ‘prayer overdrive’ for at least the past two weeks – so no doubt God will be hoping that they don’t stop contacting him now – just because they’ve gotten what they were praying for.
The medias political commentary has begun – mostly positive, some negative but I’m not worried – at the end of the day the 2011 election result is the only result that we need to concern ourselves over.
It was interesting to note Chris Trotters comments hahaha. Reading between the lines – apparently because I’m Pacific I won’t be able to roll with the people in Waitakere. Does Chris not know that 17% of Waitakere residents are Pacific; that 23% of Waitakere Private Dwellings, are sole parent households; that I am hard working class; that on my mothers side I am a 6th generation New Zealanders and have been known to ‘get down’ with non-Pacific people that actually reside outside of South Auckland. Come on Chris – your assumptions are weak. One only needs to look at the profile of the electorate and know the kind of person that I am – to see that I’m actually quite a suitable match.
I won’t be pulling on a pair of leopard skin tights but I figure that most Waitakere residents would prefer that I didn’t anyway and for those who do wear them – all power to you (unless of course you’re Paula Bennett)! As for my chances against her…I think I’ll be just fine:)
Chris Trotter used to connect with the ‘working class’ when Catherine Judd was President of ACT and would hold soirees at her communications firm (with free drinks) for the beltway regulars, Chris was a featured guest.
Congratulations on your selection, Be very nice to see you knock Ms Bennett of her perch in 2011…
Congratulations!
“because I’m Pacific I won’t be able to roll with the people in Waitakere” LOL
Go kick Bennett’s butt!
congratulations – I’m sure you’ll do well!
You will be up against it for sure.
Carmel, Congratulations to your success in being chosen as the candidate for Waitakere. You are a very suitable candidate and I am sure you’ll do well for Labour and get the seat back for Labour.
I also want to say a few words to Phil Twyford too. I know the Herald today has been speculating why Phil’s been unsuccessful in getting an Auckland electorate nomination. But let me say to Phil: Phil, you are an amazing MP for Labour. You are so tireless in your efforts and you have done so many great things for the team. I really do admire you. Sometimes I wonder where you get such energy from. So, please keep up the good work. Whether you have an electorate seat or not, to me, is not important at all. The most important thing to me is that you’re such a great Member of Parliament. And I know you will achieve great things for yourself and party and country. All the best!
To “Ghost Who Walks NZ”:
Catherine Judd and her cronies were simply operating on the time-honoured principle of “Know Thy Enemy” – as was I.
I sincerely hope that Carmel isn’t silly enough to turn down such invitations for fear of “Phantom” denunciations.
GWWNZ’s cattiness epitomises everything that’s wrong with Labour these days. If you know who s/he is Red Alert, might I respectfully suggest that you have a “quiet word”?
@ IDAD – Agreed – Twyford is great!
@Chris – Hey, some of us here LIKE ghost
Chris I enjoy your posts and comment on the whole. Not knowing the successful winner you made some pretty strong statements about her or her inabilities, while not catty, certainly borderline uninformed.
@IDAD – agree with your sentiments. I was initially annoyed that Phil Twyford didn’t get the nod and wondered out loud to all and sundry that I would have rejoined Labour to help with the ‘battle of Waitakere’ next year, had he been selected as the candidate. I have however, seen Carmel once on ‘Back Benchers’ and she did impress me as a potential electorate MP with attitude! I still reckon Phil needs a good winnable electorate to fight for – not sure where though at this stage. Go Carmel and Phil.
Jilly,
Tim Grosner (sp?) gave a good example of how to turn a seeming stronghold into another party’s seat. Phil, imo, ought to be given a marginal National seat to fight for, raise party profile and vote int hat area (where ever it may be). He has such energy and commitment, would be interesting to observe.
I agree Jilly Bee; congratulations to Carmel, may you go on to unseat Ms Bennett. At the same time, I really want Phil Twyford to get a good, winnable electorate as well – he has worked so hard, especially with regard to the supercity.
Trotter is too often an embarassing, tedious old left dinosaur.
Carmel and Phil are both great candidates.
Re Carol: her 2008 election result speaks for itself.
Chris we don’t know who it is.
On the other point you drunk with dogs and caught some of their fleas.
It was a nasty little post and I hope you feel a bit of shame soon.
Chris should apply for a job with Whale Oil writing offensive rubbish like that.
On another note, Ross Robertson and George Hawkins need to retire.
The day I need lessons in shame from you, Trevor old son, I’ll let you know.
D, yes to retire, but to be replaced by Judith Tizard? I think even if they went to the great back bench in the sky, you would try some ‘weekend at bernies’ situation to stop Judith coming back. Else, you have another candidate out there you are getting ready to parachute in again?
What does Phil have to do, or what /who has Phil seriously annoyed? Herald speculates that he jumped on the corpse of the Mt. Albert seat before it was fully vacant, losing the support of Clark?
Chris, didnt you say you dont like cattiness?
The other embarassingly obvious thing Trotter is ignoring is Labour needs a great Pacifika candidate out West to counter Inga the Winger snaring party vote. Unlike Palin Paula, Inga is genuine and impressive.
D, what do you have against Ross and George? Or are they next on the list for the chop so the ‘partay’ can parachute a couple more provincial women into Auckland?
They’ve been competent, hardworking MPs, they’ve had their time that’s all. Labour has plenty of great candidates like Phil T who would do a great jobs for these electorates who are having democracy stolen from them.
“On the other point you drunk with dogs and caught some of their fleas.” LOL
Chris Trotter says he hangs around ACT to know his ‘enemies’ and then writes about ‘Whats wrong with Labour’ ( including me- who has no official connection with the labour party).
This is the best blog I’ve read on this site ever
Please please Trevor – do not put up with that from Chris.
I do not think Carmel Sepuloni has a chance of beating the very popluar and like Paula Bennett. National are on a roll, and Labour are really going to have to pull one out to beat the Nats in any electorate currently held by the Nats. In time Labour may win the seat back, but Paula is loved by that electorate. Why would people vote her out based on what Carmel says here?
Chris @ 2:23pm : I walk in your shadow…
Congratulations Carmel. This is a winnable seat.
Chris Trotter, have you ever wondered why the right love you so much? It’s because you’re their ideal leftie, offensive Irish. You know the rules. Clare
Monty , Waitakere loves Paula like Mt Albert loved Melissa- btw has anybody heard of her since.
Goodness me there is certainly not any infighting needed right now. We live in politically dangerous times!
[Deleted, unconstructive - admin]
Gratuitous remark. You are warned. Clare
congrats.
I know you can win the seat.
Good on you Carmel. Good Luck.
Would love to know how the selection process actually works. In the review of MMP I would love it if we could have separate rounds of voting, one for list and one for electorate. One negative about MMP is that we cant get rid of MPs via the electorate.
The proper role of a local MP is to represent the geographical voice in issues that affect the local area. (applause to Nicki Kaye, who knew). Will we see Bill English stick up for Dipton if they want to move the town to mine it?? Its great training (& keeps feet on the ground) for those hoping to be ministers (as well as raising at least a local profile). I would love to the front benches concentrate on national issues ie relinquish their seats (or 2ic their seats).
Ironically for this post, who will take care of Waitakare while PB is in NY for 6 mths? This should be enough to kill any electorate candidate. Carmel – pull no punches – call her on her record and her hypocrisy. Waitakare is in the bag.