Party Switch
- You've
previously been associated with the National Party. What specifically led
you to choose NZ First instead?
I have always been centre-right politically. NZ First aligns closely with my belief in personal responsibility, national sovereignty, equal citizenship, strong communities and practical solutions. As a proud Northlander and New Zealander, those values resonate strongly with me.
- When
did you decide National was no longer the right political home for you?
There wasn't one single
moment. Over time I felt NZ First was more closely aligned with my views on
democracy, local decision-making, freedom of choice, and ensuring all New
Zealanders are treated equally under the law. Those issues became increasingly
important to me.
- Which
NZ First policies do you support that differ from National's?
NZ First places a stronger
emphasis on national sovereignty, equal citizenship, regional development and
New Zealand ownership of strategic assets than many other parties, and those
are areas where my views align strongly.
Five core pillars pull
together the NZ First policies; Democracy and equal citizenship, Building a
prosperous Nation, Protecting Community and Country, Sovereignty and
responsible government, and Self-sufficiency and pragmatic environmentalism.
To me, NZ First is Northlands
Party. As Northlanders we are fiercely independent, generally looking for
practical solutions, want freedom of choice, want all governments to be held
accountable for their actions, and truly want to be completely self-sufficient.
For Northland that means
investing in infrastructure, improving transport links, supporting local
industry, strengthening energy security and ensuring decisions are made in the
interests of New Zealanders first.
4. You spent years working alongside National politicians and advocating many of the same infrastructure projects. If National had offered you the Whangārei candidacy, would you be standing for NZ First?
No. My decision to stand for
NZ First was based on alignment with NZ First's values and policies. I've
worked constructively with politicians from all parties throughout my career,
and I chose NZ First because it best reflects my views on democracy, infrastructure,
regional development and national sovereignty.
Why Stand for Parliament?
- What
can you achieve as an MP that you couldn't achieve as mayor?
An MP can directly influence
legislation and government priorities. A mayor must often work within those
rules set by Wellington. I want to help change some of those rules where they
are holding Northland back.
Record as Mayor
- Looking
back, what was your biggest achievement as mayor?
What I enjoyed was seeing our
community succeed, and I loved encouraging them and helping them find ways of
doing that. Also, while fully acknowledging the rates increases, moving
the dial from 50cents out of the dollar (when I took over) to 70cents out of
every dollar going towards infrastructure (at the end), this allowed
infrastructure projects that were desperately needing to be done, finally being
done.
Also being Chair of the
Northland Mayoral Forum, it was great to see our Northland community was
starting to work together again, they were catching my vision of a together
Northland, where we could still be individuals and have differing views, and
still work together. A saying I always use “When Northland works
together, who could stand in our way?”
- What
was your biggest mistake?
Looking back, I probably
should have spent more time communicating directly with residents about what
Council was doing and why. Infrastructure investment was necessary, but I could
have done a better job explaining the long-term benefits and engaging more
people in the conversation.
Infrastructure and
Northland
- You've
repeatedly argued Northland is neglected by Wellington. Can you give three
examples?
- The
excessive delays with Northlands four-lane expressway. While major
transport projects in the Golden Triangle continue to receive priority,
Northlanders are still waiting and are even being asked to pay tolls where
many other regions are not.
- With
Northlands growing population, why are Northland health services
lagging? Northland continues to face significant health challenges,
including high rates of cancer and socioeconomic deprivation than many
other regions.
- Most
importantly, the historic underinvestment in rail, ports and regional
infrastructure for Northland.
- What
would be your first priority project for Northland if elected?
Completing the four-lane
expressway between Auckland and Whangārei would be my first infrastructure
priority, alongside ensuring the Northland rail connection is fully completed
and utilised. Northland's economy depends on efficient transport links, and these
projects directly affect freight, tourism, investment, safety and access to
services.
- You've
called the SH1 upgrade timeframe unacceptable. How would you accelerate
it?
Legislation and government
processes are holding this project up, and by streamlining consenting,
improving communication with affected landowners and ensuring agencies are held
accountable for delivery timelines, this will all accelerate the project.
- Where
should the money come from?
Government needs to
prioritise infrastructure spending that delivers long-term economic returns.
Better project management, reduced delays, public-private partnerships where
appropriate, and focusing on essential infrastructure before discretionary
spending can all help fund major projects.
Economy and Jobs
- What
industries offer the biggest opportunities for Northland over the next
decade?
There are several, not just
one. The Construction section will directly benefit from many of the
infrastructure projects I want to see delivered, alongside opportunities in
energy, logistics, manufacturing, tourism, horticulture, agriculture and
healthcare.
Construction is an enabler.
When we invest in infrastructure, it creates opportunities across logistics,
manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, agriculture and many other sectors.
- How do
you attract higher-paying jobs to Whangārei?
We have people moving to
Northland now, as they are finding that we do have fast internet, we also have
great beaches, beautiful natural environment, and awesome welcoming
communities.
Higher-paying jobs follow
investment. We need better infrastructure, a skilled workforce, reliable energy
and a business-friendly environment that encourages companies to invest in
Northland. That's one reason I advocated for and fully support the proposed
Special Economic Zone for Whangārei and Marsden Point, because it has the
potential to attract major investment and create long-term, higher-paying jobs
for local families.
Coalition Politics
- Would
you support NZ First entering a coalition with Labour after the
election? If no, are you prepared to sign a pledge to that effect?
NZ First has ruled out
working with Labour, this has been stated multiple times across multiple
channels. Yes, I have no issues with signing a pledge to that effect.
- Are
there any policies that would be a deal-breaker for you?
Any policy that undermines
equal citizenship, weakens national sovereignty or reduces government
accountability would be difficult for me to support.
Local Issues
- What is
the single biggest problem facing Whangārei today?
Employment and economic
opportunity. When people have access to meaningful work, many other social
issues become easier to address.
Personal
- Politics
aside, what motivates you to keep putting yourself forward for public
office?
For me, it comes down to a
genuine love for the community I live in and a desire to help it succeed.
Public service has always been about giving back and helping create
opportunities for future generations.
- If
elected, how should voters judge whether you've been successful after
three years?
Success should be measured by
outcomes delivered, how effectively I represent Whangārei, and whether I remain
true to the commitments I make. Respect, accessibility and keeping my word are
values I believe matter in public service.
LETTERBOX thanks Vince Cocurullo for answering all of our questions fully and frankly.