I want to bring about positive change in Labour. Change to the way we look, change to how we work, and change in who we have been talking to and why. Our programme is one of significant modernisation and rejuvenation, which will be driven by our entire caucus. I have the skills, the vision, the plan and the Deputy to achieve this with you.
Here are the principles that would guide my leadership. First, our mission is to serve New Zealanders, not ourselves. Second, Labour must be true to its core values as a social democratic party. Third, we must rebuild a modern Labour Party together. Finally, we must create a winning team with integrity and purpose.
In order to achieve this we must earn the confidence of New Zealanders. We must reach out to communities we have lost touch with. The loss of votes in 2011 to other parties shows we need to rebuild our relationship with working Kiwi families, including middle income earners and small businesses. We must be clear that women, Maori, Pasifika and those most disadvantaged in New Zealand should also feel that Labour is their political home. Labour is the party that will work hardest in their interests. Right now these people don’t think it is, and many did not turn out to vote.
If elected as Leader, my first priority will be to reunite the caucus and to build a winning team. We will do this by taking a principled approach to our mission, empowering every member of the Caucus to give their best, allowing their talents to shine, and supporting them with modern, professional management systems and effective resources.
I will work in cooperative partnership with the broader Labour Party to modernise party and caucus structures and processes to best support a dynamic team fitted for victory in 2014. Expertise in and around Labour can assist us to build a capable political organisation that is the leading force in New Zealand politics. We must renew and rebuild our organisation from the ground up to ensure a strong presence throughout New Zealand, including in our provinces and rural New Zealand.
I will bring about a new era in Labour, one built on our founding values but also one that is more modern, agile and responsive to the New Zealand of today and tomorrow. I will lead a Labour Party that looks and feels like New Zealand, is true to our core values, that is reunified and rejuvenated and that will win the confidence of New Zealanders in 2014 to serve with purpose, integrity and passion.
