Verve sits down with mayoral candidate, Jake Law.
Let’s start with something light-hearted. Tell us about your Shanghai Disneyland vlogs?!
I taught at an amazing private school in Shanghai. It was such an eye-opening experience and China was a lot different than I had expected. The school was right next to Shanghai Disneyland so I had an annual pass and found making vlogs was something I could use to connect with friends and family in New Zealand when I missed home. I also built a big following on a Chinese app called Bilibili, so it kind of motivated me to keep putting videos out. I also have one on my MIQ stay on YouTube, check it out at ‘Jake’s Journeys’.
You’ve recently returned to Auckland after two years teaching English and drama in Shanghai, quite a different vocation to politics! Has a career in politics always been something that interested you, or was there something that particularly inspired you to run for Auckland mayor?
I am focused on creating fairness in communities, and building a future where all people can thrive, own their own homes, and have excellent public transport options like the much-needed light rail network. I grew up in the Rodney District Council Chamber, as my grandfather was mayor for two terms. I remember he had nothing in his office apart from a pen and notepad – he wanted to be out in the community instead of behind a desk. I was definitely inspired by him as he is a people person, and can make a great speech.
How does it feel to be the youngest candidate to run in the 2022 mayoral race?
I want people to focus on my skillset and effectiveness, not my age. That said I hope to inspire any young person, or person, who is passionate and wants to make positive change in this space to go for it. We need the council to be more future focused and plan for growth appropriately.
What part of your mayoral campaign are you most excited about?
Meeting more of the locals, finding out about issues in communities, and discovering ways to encourage them to vote and become involved in local government, because it does make a difference in the shaping of our communities.
What do you anticipate being the biggest challenge?
Reaching as many people as possible, and how the media portray younger or lesser-known candidates. We’ve seen that certain candidates are excluded from media debates and interviews for not having a big enough name.
As a mayoral candidate it must be pretty tough to find time for yourself, however we all need to find time to wind down and relax. What does your weekend or day off in Auckland look like?
There’s no day off in politics because some opportunities only come around once or twice. However, I find rest in the spaces between, I like to go for a run on the local beach, and research social issues – I see myself as a lifelong learner.
Photography by Katie Atkins @katiexatkins
