Nexus met Labour’s new Hamilton East candidate Georgie Dansey entirely by chance. Being Nexus, we bothered her with 13 questions, some relevant to the upcoming local election, and others not at all. While healthcare, housing, and jobs all sounds pretty cool, we can’t complain about National’s cut to tobacco tax because writers are nothing without a romanticised cigarette on a foggy morning, nor do we think we’ll be getting stoned with Georgie anytime soon.
1. Which seat are you running for and what separates you from the opposition?
I’m stoked to be running as the Labour candidate for Hamilton East!
I’ve spent my career advocating for the workers and communities of Kirikiriroa. I’ve worked as a teacher, as a business owner and a lawyer – and am ready to stand up to the Government’s reckless choices for many people.
2. How did you get into politics, and would you recommend it?
I got a job as a teacher when I was 22 and saw the huge inequities in the classroom. It felt like no matter how hard they tried, kids that came from deprived backgrounds often didn’t do as well as the other kids. It felt so unfair, and I was so mad about it that I joined the Labour Party and the union.
3. What are the biggest issues facing Hamilton’s future?
Definitely cost of living and housing.
Under Christopher Luxon, life has gotten harder. There are more kids hungry, more homeless on our streets, and a continued shortage of affordable housing and rentals.
People are working harder than ever and falling further behind. Groceries, power bills, doctor’s visits – the basics cost more, but wages aren’t keeping up.
It’s shameful that the Government chose to give tax breaks to landlords and tobacco companies instead of helping everyday Kiwis afford the everyday basics.
4. In 50 words or less, what are your solutions to those issues?
An affordable New Zealand gets built on three things: good jobs, healthcare you can afford, and a home that doesn’t take up your entire income. Labour is focused on all three.
Nothing changes until the Government changes.
5. Which of your policies would affect students the most?
We’ve already committed to three free doctors visits for every New Zealander and an investment fund that builds for our future.
We want our best and brightest to see a future for themselves in New Zealand – and that’s what Labour are focused building.
6. I was David Seymour’s waiter once, was I right to assume that he’s a robot?
With his attacks on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and women’s pay, support for tax cuts for tobacco companies, and mishandling of the Government’s disaster school lunches – it’s fair to say he and his mate Christopher Luxon are completely out of touch.
7. Are there any New Zealand politicians who inspire you?
Nanaia Mahuta was an incredible Waikato MP in Parliament for 27 years.
She was the first woman, and the first Maaori woman to hold the Foreign Affairs portfolio and she worked tirelessly for the people of NZ and did it with integrity and heart. You’re now lucky enough to have her working at the University!
8. Legalise it?
A well-traversed debate with many strong opinions as we saw at the last referendum! Not an issue that we’re currently looking at – Labour’s focus remains on jobs, health, home and real action on the cost of living.
9. How has teaching affected your perspective?
I love the arts, creativity is a cornerstone to being human, and it sucks to see the cuts to the arts at all levels of learning, including universities.
I’m also obsessed with neuro-spicy people, and we need to find ways to celebrate them and encourage their incredible talents. Sitting in a lecture for two hours as someone with ADHD is HARD MAHI. I would love to see the university think outside the box on how we are teaching.
The University of Waikato is already a trail blazer – the kaupapa Maaori learning is at the head of the pack, so if any uni is going to keep pushing the boat out on new ways to study, it’s got to be us right?
10. Where did you study and what did you study?
University of Waikato all day!
2007- Bachelor of Arts (English Lit and Art History)
2009- Graduate diploma of teaching
2011- Post-graduate Diploma in Education
2023- Bachelor of Law
11. Favourite drinking game?
Something to do with tea and going to bed early.
12. Should my boss be paying me overtime?
I’m a unionist at heart, most of my working life has been as an advocate for working people, so I say yes.
13. And finally, what is the most radically leftist, beautifully designed, well-written, student-led, magazine in Hamilton?
The Hamilton Press?
