Raewyn Kingsley-Smith

It seems to me that Whakatāne is very lucky to have one of its sons return home with a heart to do what he can to keep us on a sound pathway into what is promising to be a challenging future, climatically, economically, technically and in terms of energy.

We may like to think that our world is safe and cosy, but the world has been long since invading our back yard and changed the very makeup of our country.

At present England is suffering heat waves as never before and few question that climate change is happening at a much faster rate than expected.

I think we would be wise to choose our leaders from people of experience who have lived, worked and studied further afield than our back yard.

Because they have broader understanding and vision of how things happen.

I have worked under the leadership of Professor Victor Luca in Grey Power for six years now and our advocacy package has grown hugely.

Professor Luca researches issues thoroughly so that the things we are calling for can be forcefully argued and explained.

He takes time to answer questions and welcomes open discussion.

He has been able to enrol some great leaders around New Zealand and across the planet to come to speak to us on issues of health, energy and economics and I have learned more under his leadership than any other time and I know him to be caring and seriously dedicated to this town.

This is a knowledgeable and good man who would stand us in good stead.