Emergency Doctor Gary Payinda to Contest Whangārei Seat for Labour

Gary Payinda, a prominent emergency medicine doctor, has been selected as the Labour Party’s candidate for the Whangārei constituency in New Zealand. This seat is currently held by Shane Reti, a fellow medical professional representing the National Party. Payinda’s decision to enter politics stems from his concerns about the coalition government’s plans to privatize essential services such as healthcare and education.

Payinda emphasized the urgency of his campaign, stating, “As long as I have a voice, I think I need to use it to change the direction this country is running.” He aims to leverage his medical background to advocate for the preservation and improvement of public services.

Concerns About Public Services

The doctor expressed apprehension regarding the future of public services in New Zealand, asserting that if the current coalition government remains in power, the nation could undergo significant changes. “With another three years of this, we will have such an erosion of public services that New Zealand will be largely unrecognisable in terms of education, healthcare, housing, and worker protections,” he warned.

His candidacy highlights a broader concern among many voters about the implications of privatization on healthcare and education. Payinda believes that by contesting the seat in the 2026 election, he can mobilize support to challenge the current government’s policies and promote a vision for a more equitable society.

Payinda’s selection comes at a crucial time for the Labour Party, which seeks to regain ground in the face of growing competition from the National Party. With a background in emergency medicine, he brings a unique perspective to the political landscape, advocating for policies that prioritize public health and social welfare.

As the electoral campaign unfolds, attention will focus on how Payinda’s platform resonates with the constituents of Whangārei and whether he can garner enough support to unseat Reti in the upcoming elections. The outcome could significantly influence the direction of health and education policies in New Zealand for years to come.