Family man and Labour MP up for the fight

A music teacher who once campaigned to “bring back Buck” is taking the election fight to National’s David Bennett in Hamilton East.

With the election year starting to move into action, Strange is already working on his campaign to swing Hamilton East to Labour.

A strong interest in politics from a young age and his first sniff of campaigning came when the former All Blacks captain Wayne “Buck” Shelford was dropped from the squad in 1990.

“I remember making up banners and attending a number of rugby matches chanting the slogan ‘Bring back Buck’. Unfortunately it didn’t work, as he never played for the All Blacks again,” said Strange.

His drive for politics now, however, comes from his family. He and his wife Angela Strange, who ran last year for the Hamilton City Council, have four children.

“When my wife and I had our first child in 2008, I began thinking about what the world would be like for him growing up. This gave me motivation to become politically active.”

It was Strange’s job as a teacher at Berkley Intermediate School that pushed him towards the Labour Party. 

“Education was the key reason I joined Labour, as their policies over the past few years have been excellent. Combined with hard work, it is the best way to lift people out of poverty and provide opportunity. It must be accessible and fit for purpose.”

Labour plans to provide three years of free post-school education over a person’s lifetime as part of their working futures plan.

The family man’s task of taking Hamilton East will not be easy, however. David Bennett has held the seat for the past 12 years.

“It will be a challenge to take the seat, but I enjoy a challenge, and will be working hard to meet and chat with as many voters as possible.”

Strange’s first run at an electorate came in the last election where he stood as the Labour candidate for Taupo, losing to Louise Upston.

However now he gets the chance to fight on home turf.

“Hamilton is a great place to live and raise a family, our wonderful destination playground are truly world class,” he said.

“Seddon Park as well. As a big cricket fan, many of my favourite sporting highlights have taken place here, watching players like Richard Hadlee, Martin Crowe, Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor. It’s particularly special when we beat Australia!”