DemocracyNZ has announced Dr. Matt Shelton will stand for the party in the Wellington seat of Ohariu in this year’s general election.
A medical doctor of 37 years experience, Shelton has been a strong critic of the government’s COVID response in his role as a spokesperson for New Zealand Doctors Speaking Out with Science (NZDSOS). Ohariu is currently held by Labour’s Greg O’Connor.
Speaking to party leader Matt King via Facebook video, Shelton said that kiwis were ‘in the fight of their lives’ from government overreach, and that following COVID, there was ‘a lot more to come’ in terms of our freedoms.
King also announced their candidate for Napier, Martin Langford.
Originally from the UK, Langford has been a dental surgeon for over 30 years, with experience working in NHS hospitals, the Royal Air Force as a dental officer, and in private practice in New Zealand. He was also on the Board of a Hawkes Bay-based medical /dental trust for 15 years.
‘Never before has an individual’s confidential medical history been exposed, allegedly for the “greater good”. Ethics and informed consent were disregarded by the current Government, with no effective opposition from any of the other political parties,’ Langford wrote on the party’s website. He described the current government’s performance as ‘woeful’.
In reflecting on a year since DemocracyNZ was launched King said the party was doing well, scoring 1% in two consecutive 1News polls after only 4 months since the party was registered. He thanked the tireless work of many people behind the scenes in helping the party move forward. Education spokesperson Lee Smith believed the party’s growing base was due to the fact it provided a home for many New Zealanders disillusioned with politics and legacy political parties.
Shelton and Langford join a growing list of candidates the party is fielding, which include King himself in Northland, Smith in Taranaki-King Country, Kirsten Murfitt in Tauranga, and Steve Cranston in Waikato.
The party’s roadshow continues through March, with upcoming events in Greymouth (22nd), Westport (23rd) and Hokitika (24th).
Watch the full Facebook video of yesterday’s announcement here.
My interview with Bruce Smith of The Coasters Club about DemocracyNZ and upcoming meetings. https://t.co/Ics3DXiL1U pic.twitter.com/5iuhyQnZpK
— Matt King Northland (@MattKingNorth) March 20, 2023
Brilliant news! Dutch Farmers did it and so can we and better. No need for the existing swamp – time for labour national greens maori party and the like to go as they have destroyed our once beautiful, free from tyranny country
Preferably they go via a Nuremberg Court 2 scenario, and every one of them get their necks stretched, for Crimes Against Humanity. The sooner the better.
Fantastic! Much respect for Dr Matt Shelton! Well done Democracy NZ! I hope they have some good candidates lined up for Auckland? Elliot Ilkolei or Corina Shields?
Great to see Matt King is putting together a good team. If they continue to build with similar quality candidates then we are in with a chance. Godspeed Matt fingers crossed.. 🤞
I am voting Democracy NZ, I am voting for common sense and honoring the Bill of Rights. NZ desperately needs leaders that listen to we the people whom live in NZ
Brilliant news. It hearted me to see a man of conviction like Dr Shelton enter politics. He stands in my electorate. Tick.
My background was Dental speciality and practice ownership (past tense, 3 guesses anyone?) Like Dr Shelton, I’ve been disgusted at the lack of ethics from Labour and other parties noticeably absent!
Right on guys. I will definitely by the voting Democracy NZ 👍
These two are wonderful candidates. Great choice!