"People Before Profit" Protest

Former Rimutaka Labour Electorate chairperson Nick Kelly led a "People Before Profit" protest outside Paul Swain's Electorate office in Taita, just prior to the election. The group of protestors was out-numbered by Labour supporters who had heard of the planned protest. Nick Kelly ran against Paul Swain in this election as an independent candidate for Rimutaka.

Among other things, Mr Kelly is protesting New Zealand's labour led involvement in GATS (General Agreement on Trade and Services) which he believes places restrictions on New Zealand education. For example, the New Zealand government cannot intervene in the education system in ways that might disadvantage foreign private providers.