[Original at www.conservativeparty.org.nz]

New Zealand is simply a wonderful country blessed with an abundance of natural resources and places of outstanding beauty. We have great people who work hard and want to succeed but there is no question that we are under performing.

The time has come for a new initiative. In the last 2 decades both National and Labour governments have ignored the wishes of the New Zealand people by refusing to implement referendum decisions. This of course is my own motivation to take action. I don't want a country where the Government sees itself above the people and is able to ignore them at their convenience. It is clear to me that government is wrong to do so and it is now time to elect those who will do what we want. We need increased representation and less political agenda.

I am also opposed to the never ending cycle of increased taxation and bigger spending. With 3 tax increases (Emissions Trading Scheme, increased GST rates and cancellation of ability to claim depreciation on buildings) by the current government along with increased compliance costs (Unit Titles Act 2010) there is an ever growing burden on the New Zealand tax payer. Almost every business and household has reduced spending and debt in difficult financial times and frankly the government should have done the same.

Surely we can remember last time we spent and borrowed big (also a national government) and we ending up selling off our assets to foreign interests. If we don't do something now the same thing is going to happen all over again.

It really is time for some long term thinking. An approach to government that is honest about the challenges ahead and willing to make some hard decisions for the benefit of everyone in New Zealand.

We will need 500 members to enable party registration and so if our policies reflect your own thoughts on what would make a better New Zealand then please send back your registration as soon as possible.

I invite you to join us... I invite you to vote for us.

Kindest Regards

Colin Craig

Who is Colin Craig?

Colin Craig is a New Zealander. He was born and raised in Auckland where he now lives with his wife and daughter.

He has been a successful business man starting five businesses and his current company manages property worth 1.3 billion dollars.

He decided to get involved in the Auckland mayoral race in 2010 coming a credible third behind the labour and national candidates.

He has been described as a determined conservative political activist.

The refusal of successive governments to be guided by citizen referenda and failure to deliver on election promises has motivated him to take action.

He has never aligned himself with a political party in the past and sees this election as a chance to make a positive difference.

ENDS

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