1. Who are you and what do you want?

I’m Paul Foster-Bell, the National Candidate for Wellington Central, and I want to keep Wellington and NZ moving in the right direction.

  1. What makes you different?

I can be a strong voice from within the next John Key-led National Government. I have useful skills gained working with MFAT in the Middle East.

  1. What do you love or hate most about Wellington

I love the harbour, the waterfront, the Town Belt and the sheer creativity of Wellingtonians in film, theatre, music and business.

  1. What are you going to do about rental properties and the state they’re in? “ – Amy, Wellington Central (via @Political_Cuts)

The biggest landlord in Wellington is the City Council and I will strongly support the Government partnering with third sector players to improve rentals.

  1. “If you could re-imagine the economy what would it look like?” – Emma, Wellington Central (via @Political_Cuts)

It would have sustained growth generating more and higher paying jobs in innovation, the creative sector, education, and high tech exports – alongside our traditional industries.

  1. “How would you improve workers’ rights in the electorate and ensure that young people enter into secure, long-term contracts?” – Brittany, Wellington Central (via @Political_Cuts)

I want to ensure everyone gets a fair go to get a foot on the ladder. Most young people have no expectation of doing a single job for life.

  1. “What are you going to do to make NZ more egalitarian?” – Mike, Rongotai (via @Political_Cuts)

I believe in equal opportunity. Education is the key to opportunity, so I support the 20 hours ECE for all kids and investment of $357m to boost NCEA pass rates.

  1. “What are the key things you will do to make things better for vulnerable children?” – Alison, Rongotai (via @Political_Cuts)

Helping families off welfare and into work, and free doctor’s visits and prescriptions for under-13 are just some.

  1. How do you plan to keep premier artists and businesses from fleeing the Capital? – @OrchestraWLG

Our film sector policies prevented major screen productions leaving Wellington, we have backed the NZSO and Te Papa, and we can keep businesses by investing in infrastructure like Transmission Gully.

10. What do you wish your 17 year old self knew about feminism? @zenpeacekeeper

That sexism actually hurts everybody. Women bring huge value to business boards.

11. “What would you do to further improve the electoral/Parliamentary system in NZ, and to encourage participation? – Sam, Wellington Central (via @Political_Cuts)

I would leave it up to the public to decide how our system is structured. Politicians shouldn’t be allowed to set the system for their own benefit.

12. Will you support a full enquiry into #DirtyPolitics? Will they practice clean politics for themselves and their parties? – BevanMcCabe

I would support an enquiry where there is illegality. Not just because someone doesn’t like the ‘style’ of politics practised. I focus on policy rather than politics, myself.

13. What’s your personal history of living in Wellington?

I have lived in Wellington since leaving university: in Thorndon, West Karori, Mt Vic and Te Aro.  Though with my previous career I spent periods overseas.

14. What policy of your party do you think will have the most impact on Wellington?

Keeping the Government’s accounts in surplus will help keep interest rates lower. Our housing policy will let many young Wellingtonians get into their own first home.

15. Do you genuinely believe you have a chance at winning the seat you’re contesting, or is this more of a party campaign?

Yes, I am asking for two ticks because NZ needs a National Government and Wellington Central deserves fresh representation.