Tauranga by-election candidate – ONE Party co-leader – Allan Cawood says that the 'status quo must go” and 'the left and right are two wings of the same bird”.

The permanent resident of Tauranga says if elected as the city's MP, he will offer an effective opposition to this government.

Cawood is one of 12 candidates running in the Tauranga by-election, taking place on June 18.

Fellow candidates are: Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party's Christopher Coker, independent candidates Tony Corbett and Gordon Dickson, NZ Outdoors and Freedom Party's Sue Grey, New National Party's Andrew Hollis, New Conservative's Helen Houghton, independent Yvette Lamare, ACT New Zealand's Cameron Luxton, Labour Party's Jan Tinetti, National Party's Sam Uffindell and independent Peter Wakeman.

Cawood says he's not afraid to speak out against injustice, wrong-doing and ill-considered decisions.

'I challenge entrenched narratives and I am able to think for myself. I will be working hard for the people of Tauranga," says Cawood.

'My view is that I am is here to serve the community, not myself and to remember those who voted me in.”

Allan is acutely concerned about the cost-of-living crisis, which is worsening and affecting everybody in Tauranga.

'ONE Party will immediately provide some relief by removing GST on both food and fuel. This government has also allowed our national debt to reach unprecedented levels – a debt which our children will inherit.”

Allan and the ONE Party support local manufacturing from natural resources, thus increasing employment opportunities and boosting the local economy.

'I will promote NZ-made products on the international stage as well as showcasing our amazing local tourist attractions and much more.”

All Covid-19 related legislation will be removed if the ONE Party gets into power.

'This will allow healthcare workers to return to work and contribute to the New Zealand economy, as well as reduce the strain on the already stretched healthcare industry,” says Allan.

He also thinks Tauranga infrastructure is inadequate, particularly the roading.

"Time and fuel is wasted as commuters sit bumper-to-bumper on congested roads," says Cawood.

'I will be the voice advocating for special funding to address our much-needed infrastructure requirements.”

Currently working as a business consultant, Allan has a wealth of international business experience in the commercial and industrial sectors.

He also has a military background and a double major in physical education and psychology.

He is married to Maleta, with two daughters, two son-in-laws and four grandchildren.

'The ONE Party is a solutions-based party that stands for righteousness, justice, truth and freedom,” says Allan.

Find out more at: www.oneparty.net or the ONE Party Facebook page.