There’s a real buzz in Dunedin during Orientation Week. Cafés and bars come alive, the streets fill with people exploring their new home and empty University colleges and flats transform into hubs of activity.
I hope you have created plenty of good memories this O-Week, and have made new friends that will last a lifetime. The shared experience of Otago students is something that’s really unique and special to Dunedin.
This O-Week I got to witness a real spike in political interest on campus. Labour sign-ups on the Monday of O-Week were roughly double the number for the entire O-week last election year. Those I met at Tent City were keen to find out more, and help us to change the government later this year.
Students I spoke with were extremely supportive of Labour’s plan to introduce three years of free post-secondary education. Many agreed that the most important investment we can make as a country is in our people. It showed me that the drive to be a part of creating a fairer society is well-represented amongst the Otago student body.
I’ve written this column in Critic over recent years, and I’m thankful that I continue to have this opportunity. As the local electorate MP, I value the ability this column has to have an ongoing conversation about issues that matter to students. I believe an MP is only as good as the people they talk to, and I can assure you that the feedback I get from this column helps me to represent you better in Parliament.
If we haven’t yet met, please do take the chance to share your views when you see me on campus, having lunch in the Link, or at one of my regular campus clinics. If you have an issue that needs urgent attention, like a problem with StudyLink, Immigration or a landlord, please make the short trip across the road to my office at 32 Albany Street (between the Captain Cook tavern and the Rob Roy dairy) and we will see how we can help. The most useful stuff my office does often doesn’t make headlines!
I am proud to represent the people of Dunedin North in Parliament. I try my absolute best to represent you well in Parliament, but please don’t let me die wondering what you think. I’m easily contactable on Facebook (fb.com/DavidClarkMP) or by email david.clark@parliament.govt.nz.