West Coast-Tasman electorate

West Coast-Tasman is currently held by Labour's Damien O’Connor, who won comfortably with a margin of 6,208. In 2020, Labour won the greatest share of party votes in West Coast-Tasman – 47% to National's 25%. It has been held by O'Connor since 1996 with the exception of 2008 to 2011 when National held the seat.

Patrick Phelps

Independent

| Not currently in parliament

Patrick Phelps

Independent

| Not currently in parliament

Why I'm standing

Regions such as Tasman and the West Coast are unique within New Zealand. Unfortunately a centralised government and big party duopoly struggles to take this into account. This has worsened under MMP. I think an independent representative in parliament is the only way, within the existing system, for central government to meet the wants and needs of the people of Tasman and the West Coast.

About me

A friend emailed me once suggesting I enter politics. I asked why. By way of reply he said "You like ideas. You're inquisitive. You think and speak clearly. You arrive at opinions rather than start with them. You're ballsy. And you've done stuff already. Those are great virtues for a politician." I can't improve on his words, so will leave it there.

My priorities
  1. Enable primary production and manufacturing to ensure incomes and opportunities.
  2. Ensure infrastructure is future-proof and fit for purpose to support priority number one.
  3. Responsible and regulated commercial activities on conservation land to support priority number one.
Current role

Not currently in parliament

Before politics

Manager, Minerals West Coast.

Residence

Hokitika

Age

29

Year entered parliament

Not previously in parliament

2020 result

Did not stand

Connect via
Why I'm standing

Regions such as Tasman and the West Coast are unique within New Zealand. Unfortunately a centralised government and big party duopoly struggles to take this into account. This has worsened under MMP. I think an independent representative in parliament is the only way, within the existing system, for central government to meet the wants and needs of the people of Tasman and the West Coast.

About me

A friend emailed me once suggesting I enter politics. I asked why. By way of reply he said "You like ideas. You're inquisitive. You think and speak clearly. You arrive at opinions rather than start with them. You're ballsy. And you've done stuff already. Those are great virtues for a politician." I can't improve on his words, so will leave it there.

My priorities
  1. Enable primary production and manufacturing to ensure incomes and opportunities.
  2. Ensure infrastructure is future-proof and fit for purpose to support priority number one.
  3. Responsible and regulated commercial activities on conservation land to support priority number one.
Current role

Not currently in parliament

Before politics

Manager, Minerals West Coast.

Residence

Hokitika

Age

29

Year entered parliament

Not previously in parliament

2020 result

Did not stand

Connect via

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