Amanda Clinton-Gohdes Launches Campaign for New Plymouth Seat

Former New Plymouth District councillor Amanda Clinton-Gohdes has officially entered the race for the New Plymouth parliamentary seat, aiming to bring her local government experience to the national stage. Announced as the Labour Party candidate on October 6, 2023, Clinton-Gohdes will challenge incumbent National MP David MacLeod in the upcoming election scheduled for November 2023. Her candidacy follows the decision of Labour list MP Glen Bennett not to seek re-election after losing the seat in the last election.

Throughout her two terms on the New Plymouth District Council, Clinton-Gohdes focused on pressing issues such as housing and economic transition. She emphasized the need for central government intervention, stating, “I made a start on some of those issues locally, but I’m keen to continue working on them at the national level.”

Clinton-Gohdes highlighted her concerns about the region’s economic future, particularly regarding job security in Taranaki’s energy sector. She expressed the importance of providing workers with stable employment opportunities amid ongoing changes in the industry. “People want to understand that they have secure jobs, that they have well-paying jobs and that there are job opportunities in the future,” she noted.

Focus on Housing and Community Needs

Housing remains a critical challenge for New Plymouth, according to Clinton-Gohdes. She pointed to her previous efforts to increase the availability of council-owned units for elderly residents, marking the first expansion in four decades. “Our district has not been provided its fair share of social housing, and it’s something that really needs to be strongly pushed for our people,” she stated.

The candidate believes that expanding housing supply will alleviate some of the pressures felt across the wider market. She linked these housing issues to broader social challenges, including homelessness, which she described as a “complex situation” that she had previously addressed while serving on the council.

Clinton-Gohdes plans to prioritize health and education in her campaign, particularly in rural communities where resources are strained. She referenced the upcoming opening of a hospital that the Labour Government funded as a significant milestone for local health services. “Our health systems are under strain, particularly in our smaller towns and rural areas,” she remarked.

Despite narrowly missing out on a council seat by just 134 votes in 2025, Clinton-Gohdes believes her campaign will succeed by reconnecting with voters who feel disconnected from the political process. She noted that the New Plymouth seat is often decided by small margins, emphasizing the importance of voter registration and participation.

Personal Motivation and Political Aspirations

Clinton-Gohdes shared that her upbringing significantly influences her political ambitions. Raised by a mother who struggled to make ends meet, she expressed a strong commitment to representing those facing similar challenges. “I understand what that feels like and I am determined that people in our community who are experiencing those same struggles are listened to and their stories are taken to places where the decisions get made,” she said.

Entering the world of central government politics was a carefully considered decision for Clinton-Gohdes and her family. She expressed respect for current MP MacLeod, highlighting their collaborative work on housing issues during her time on the council.

As she embarks on her campaign, Clinton-Gohdes aims to address the pressing needs of her community while fostering an inclusive dialogue that empowers constituents to voice their concerns. With her extensive local government experience and a clear focus on key issues, she is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming election.