‘Future in hands of people’

Press, 19 November 1981, Page 24

‘Future in hands of people’

MISS R. M. RICHARDSON

Politics starts with people and their ideas, says the National Party candidate for Selwyn, Miss Ruth Richardson. “My idea is that New Zealand’s. future lies in the hands of individuals, their freedoms, and their enterprise — that is why I am standing for the National Party.” Miss Richardson says her experience from studying law at the University of Canterbury ’for four years, four years as a legislative adviser to Minister of Justice, five years as a legal adviser to Federated Farmers, and...a year spent contesting the Tasman electorate in 1978 have formed a “Parliamentary apprenticeship,” Skill, energy, initiative, and enthusiasm are required in the job of running the country. While politics is extremely demanding on the family, she

says she is blessed with the active support of her husband, Mr Andrew Wright. They live on a small block in West Melton where they have 90 Coopworth ewes, which set a good productive example for Selwyn with a 150 per cent lambing rate. More exports, more jobs, and less dependence on imported energy are the three priorities Miss Richardson sees for New Zealand. Since an average of more than $2OOO worth of imports are required for every job, so higher overseas earnings are essential to create a greater number of jobs.

The oil bill ‘eats up” 25 per cent of New Zealand’s export earnings, she says. Economic growth and energy self-sufficiency are the only way to break the vicious circle of inflation and unemployment. “New Zealand is blessed with a tremendous range of resources. I want to help New Zealand and my community of Selwyn make the most of our opportunities.” Jobs come only from economic growth and Canterbury’s best prospects for economic growth will come from irrigation, she says. “The key to employment and business opportunities in Canterbury lies in the soil of the Plains and the water that must be applied. Irrigation development in the Central Plains, Lower Rakaia, and Te Pirita schemes will bring a significant economic boost not only to the farming communities, but also to the

urban businesses of Leeston, Darfield, Halswell, and Christchurch.” Miss Richardson says that Selwyn’s member of Parliament must be a person who

has shown an active commitment to political representation, and who sees central government and its bureaucracy as a help rather than a hindrance to individuals. Selwyn’s member must help the community come to grips with the changes, chances and choices that New Zealand must face. “We simply cannot afford, for example, the handicap of bad industrial relations, prejudiced attitudes, and individuals shrugging off their own responsibility and expecting Government to come to the rescue,” Miss Richardson says. “I plan to .continue to bring to Selwyn access politics and open Government. No Government or member of Parliament has a monopoly on wisdom. My ability to represent Selwyn will depend entirely on constant communication with the people of the electorate.”