Rahul Chopra is a familiar face to many who have a little interest in New Zealand politics since he has been associated with two popular leaders for almost 11-12 years now. He worked with National Party MP, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi for around 9 years and now over 2-1/2 years with Act Party leader David Seymoure where he is working in his Parliamentary Service capacity.

Talking to The Indian News on his candidature as Act Party’s candidate for Mount Roskill electorate Rahul was very candid on being asked about his foray into politics and said his circumstance made him to chose politics as a career. Rahul said not only politics is the best way to involve with the local communities and contributing to solving their problems but also a good career move. He said he got a lot of exposure to public life after joining David Seymoure since as a leader he is very supportive to people working with him and encourages them to take initiatives and perform independently. Rahul gave Daivid’s example of him pushing his colleague and fellow MP Brooke Van Velden, to prepare the draft of ‘End of Life’ bill legislation. Brooke not only prepared the draft of this legislation but also could succeed in getting it through the Parliament with the support from David. He said after joining David Seymoure he got the opportunity to firsthand experience of Auckland wide outreach of Act party not only in the South Asian communities but also within the Indian community. Rahul was all praise for Act Party leader David Seymoure and said he is very fair leader and encourages talent, especially those working with him.

Rahul explained about what made him join politics and become part of Act Party and said there is a certain encouraging work culture here which can inspire anyone to join them. He said when he joined David Seymoure and started working with the caucus, he was told that the party is like a start up and apart from the aspiration to move forward party has a particular work plan. Rahul said, to implement these work plans party has got a road map, and everyone involved needs to contribute and perform to achieving those aspirations and all aspirations are achievable. Rahul said this is very positive mindset of Act party and this is not only good for Act Party but to everyone who is associated with the party, to all stakeholders and also good for New Zealand.

Rahul said, New Zealand economy is a free-market economy and today the country is at a critical juncture where people must make a choice between a free-market economy or to be a socialistic country. If we want to promote free market economy, then we will need to encourage entrepreneurs to invest in New Zealand whether they are local grown or overseas investors, by making a conducive atmosphere for them including lowering taxes. If we have high taxes on foreign investments, it will keep big investors at bay and people will be forced to choose between available options only and keep paying high price for consumer goods due to lack of competition. He said bureaucracy is a big hindrance for foreign investors and FDI rules are too complex for anyone wanting to invest big in the country hence people are moving to other attractive options.

Rahul said Act party is the conscience keeper of National Party and we are the best coalition choice for them. He said his party believes to take any matter to final stage which can be left out by other parties. Rahul was very critical of the handling of law-and-order situation by Labour government, and he said this government has run out ideas of how to contain crimes and is only busy borrowing and wasting money on unnecessary accounts. He said if his party is part of next government they will bring ‘Three Strike’ law back to contain crime. Rahul appealed to his prospective voters to vote Act Party if you aspire, and you want to see those aspirations fulfilling. -Yugal Parashar