First-time voter throws her weight behind National

This year’s election will be 20-year-old Hamilton woman Ashley Redgate’s first time and she is adamant she is voting for National.

“I just feel like they come across as more of a stable government,” Redgate says.

“Labour comes up with all these policies but they can’t even hold down a leader.

“They [Labour] come out with all these unrealistic policies like raising the minimum wage and giving people 26 weeks parental leave, but they have no backing for it – they don’t explain how.”

Redgate says she thinks John Key has an expanded view as opposed to just saying what people want to hear.

“He’s done well so far. I mean I know he’s not perfect but no one’s going to be.”

Redgate says while National’s proposed policies do not directly affect her right now, she is happy with their long-term goals.

“National’s encouraging people to get off the benefit and is creating more jobs which I think is fantastic.”

Redgate feels good about voting for the first time.

“I think because I just missed out last election, I was really into it. I’m pretty confident going into this one with who I’m going to vote for.”

One change she would like to see National make is to stop selling New Zealand assets.

“We are going to have nothing. To be basically internationally owned, what are we going to end up with? Because you can’t buy it back.

“I know he’s trying to get us out of debt and create a surplus for the country, but it’s not the best way to do it,” she says.

Redgate said she will not consider voting for any other parties.

“It’s always been National and Labour so they are the only two options I have in my head,” she says.

“The other parties just seem like supporting parties as opposed to ones that could ever be eligible to run government.”