Columns

Welcome to 2015. I love the vibe in North Dunedin at this time of year. A critical mass of students brings a surge of energy into the electorate — and it’s infectious.
This isn’t my first appearance in Critic, but for those of you I haven’t yet met, I’m your local electorate MP David Clark. I have the privilege of representing your aspirations, the aspirations of Dunedin North people, in Parliament.

I hope you’ve had a good summer and arrive at Otago ready for a fresh start and a memorable year. I’m buzzing after a trip to South America for an inter-parliamentary conference. Meeting politicians from other countries gave me a new perspective on local issues. It also reminded me how lucky we are to live in one of the world’s oldest continuous democracies.

Of course I believe there’s plenty of stuff that the government could be doing to make New Zealand a better place (I wouldn’t be in politics if I didn’t think that!), but I came back from South America more grateful than ever that journalists, opposition MPs, academics and students can speak their minds — without constant fear of being locked up.

The freedom to learn, the freedom to debate ideas and the freedom to share views publicly are all things we mustn’t take for granted. No doubt you’ll be presented with opportunities to do all three during your time on campus. Cherish these freedoms.
And don’t be afraid to share your views directly with me when you see me on campus. My office is on Albany Street next to the Captain Cook tavern, just down from the Rob Roy dairy — so I’m close by, and I make it my business to be on campus often. Or if you’re burning to share something, drop by.

In my Dunedin office, we aren’t always debating lofty ideas. Our bread and butter is sorting practical local problems. If you have a rash, see a doctor — but for many other issues, we may well be able to help. We witness and sign many documents, assist with tenancy disputes, do certification of degrees and certificates, help with immigration and StudyLink issues, and much more. Politics is off to a flying start in 2015. I look forward to reporting back regularly as your local electorate MP.