Ōamaru teen Ethan Reille is always one to look out for the next opportunity, and what he has lined up next is certainly that.

The Labour Party announced on Tuesday (April 11) it has selected 18-year-old Ethan as its candidate for the Waitaki electorate in this year's general election on October 14.

Although young, last year’s Waitaki Boys’ High School head boy has crammed a lot into his years. He works as Community Development Support at the Waitaki District Council, is a representative on the Stronger Waitaki stewardship group, chaired the Waitaki District Youth Council, and is Youth MP for Rachel Brooking MP.

“I’m honoured to have been chosen as Labour’s candidate for Waitaki,” Ethan said.

“Waitaki is my home and always will be, it has made me the person that I am today. I’ll work tirelessly to advocate for this large community and its people.”

The electorate has a diverse population, and Ethan wants to ensure all the voices of local people are heard, he said.

“As a young person, I want to bring a future-focussed perspective to this campaign.

“Now more than ever, we need representatives who will work hard for the people they represent - no matter their politics or point of view. I've committed to doing this throughout my time in Waitaki."

An announcement earlier this year, that Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand is boosting funding of Ōamaru Hospital by $3.5 million per year, shows Labour is investing in the Waitaki, but there is always more to be done, he said

“Our healthcare, education facilities and small businesses deserve as much investment as our cities. Labour understands this and, if elected, I’ll be a strong advocate for local services.

“Our government is tackling the cost of living crisis, investing in rebuilding from recent storms and moving towards a low-carbon future. 

“This is the kind of focus Waitaki needs. We have a large electorate, from the corners of Wānaka to the coast of Ōamaru and to the south of Palmerston.

“I will be proud to represent Waitaki in parliament and be a strong, local and present voice for all Waitakians,” Ethan said.

The National Party candidate for the Waitaki electorate is Southburn-based farmer Miles Anderson. He has farmed for more than 20 years, and has served on the Federated Farmers board, as as chair of its Meat and Wool Industry Group.