Press Release: Bhatnagar announces for Botany

15/12/10

Former Auckland City Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar will seek the National Party’s nomination for the Botany by-election. Said Aaron, “I want to help promote the values and objectives of this successful John Key government.”

“The people of Botany deserve a quality Member of Parliament who share their values and can advocate for them effectively. I have a record of achieving policy outcomes, within a framework of financial prudence. Issues of importance to me include community safety, education, information technology, and economic development.”

“Botany is a multi-cultural electorate with diverse communities. As someone of blended ethnicity, and with a balance of fresh-thinking and experience in business and politics, I would offer Botany residents quality representation into the future,” said Mr Bhatnagar.

“Botany is an electorate with significant retail, industrial and commercial interests. Locals are concerned about jobs, economic growth, and infrastructure. Whether it is ultra-fast broadband, reduction of compliance costs, or ongoing tax cuts, I am keen to deliver for the people of Botany,” said Mr Bhatnagar.

ENDS

Brief biographical statement:

Aaron was an Auckland City Councillor during 2007-2010,standing down at the Auckland Council elections. His achievements included a film-friendly policy, heritage protection balanced with property rights, community improvements like beach re-sandings plus tourism projects like the Viaduct Events Centre. He is fiscally conservative and socially moderate. He has no political commitments conflicting with seeking the Botany nomination.

He joined the National Party in 2002, and has held a number of internal offices, including Chairman of Epsom electorate since mid 2010, and Chairman of Remuera Branch since January 2006.

Aaron was born in Canada in 1976, and is of blended ethnicity (half Indian and New Zealand European). His family immigrated to Auckland in 1980.

Aaron graduated from the University of Auckland in 2000 with an MA (Hons) majoring in Political Studies with a Master of Arts thesis on Russian Foreign Policy and New Zealand implications. He was primarily educated at St Kentigern School and College.

His father, Roger Bhatnagar, started an electronics retail store, eventually growing to include the Noel Leeming chain and the Pacific Retail Group of companies. His family interests are now focused on property and equity investments. Aaron is married to Mara, a Croatian New Zealander, and has three young boys under 5 years of age.

ENDS

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