Right now, Wellington is going backwards. The government’s cuts have hurt our economy, and a lack of jobs and affordable housing is driving young people overseas. By securing good jobs, affordable healthcare, and warm homes for all, we can turn this around and build a better future here in Wellington.

Ayesha was working as an infectious diseases specialist at Wellington Hospital when the pandemic struck in 2020, and she put herself forward on Labour’s list to contribute to the COVID-19 response. She went straight into Cabinet, where she delivered historic pay equity settlements, led world-leading Smokefree reforms, modernised cervical screening and abortion services, and developed proposals to strengthen Wellington’s science institutions. In opposition she has continued to focus on protecting public services and championing strong action on tobacco control.

She wants Wellington North to be a place where people can see a future for themselves, where creativity and innovation thrive, and where health care and housing is affordable.

Ayesha knows Wellington well and loves its people, neighbourhoods, and sense of community. She will be a visible, hard-working local MP: knocking on doors, fronting up to tough issues, and standing up for Wellington North in Parliament every day.