David Bennett
National MP

National MP for Hamilton East 2005
Member, Transport and Industrial Relations Committee
10 November 2005
Associate Spokesperson on Transport 26 October 2005

Role as MP

• People
  It is his role as MP to represent the culturally diverse area and the interests of a very young city.
  Mr Bennett spends equal amounts of time representing his people in Parliament and developing
  relationships within his electorate.
• Party
  He represents Hamilton at a central government level in Wellington.
• Policy
  This is a governmental role but one which he has no influence over at present because of his
  recently elected status.

Mr Bennett believes that this is the order of his priorities as MP for Hamilton East.

The Kiwi Dream
Mr David Bennett believes the “Kiwi Dream” is different for all individuals and changes and develops, but is still achievable. “You have to be in-tune with yourself so you know what you want to do”. It is Mr Bennett’s mantra that hard work and right attitude lead to unbridled success. Passion is necessary for your success to be recognised globally.

Views on APEC
David Bennett is interested in the formation of APEC and how it came out of the ashes of the WTO rounds on world free trade. He is aware that negotiations continue but does not expect much from them in regard to world free trade. Mr Bennett speaks extensively about the rise in the American middle-class and it’s possible rival-hood of China’s development. It is Mr Bennett’s belief that isolation damages countries in the long term and that we should open boarders to the trade in people and skills.

Quotes and Tips
“Success comes when you recognise your own strength and wants and people can and will achieve their full potential.”

“Public service really is serving the public.”

Student thoughts on this interview

We were very impressed by his passion for people, especially within the realms of culture diversity and youth empowerment. Mr Bennett’s broad focus on local, national and global issues was inspiring to all of us as we gained greater sense of the interdependence of New Zealanders (and our trade partners) on different levels.
By Katie Hutton, Nancy Lu, Geoff Phillips, Hayden Reyngoud