Thu 7 Apr 2011 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Louisa Wall (right) with Labour MP Maryan Street at the Big Gay Out After a couple of weeks waiting on the sidelines, Louisa Wall is about to be back in the game. The former double sporting international says wondering whether the five others ranked above her on the Labour Party list would take themselves out of contention for the spot left vacant by the resignation of Darren Hughes was like being a "dirt-tracker", which is a sports player who doesn't get to get to wear the playing strip and may get to be in the reserves if someone is injured. "It's been like that. And it was completely unexpected. But obviously for me it means I can create a platform before the General Election and really establish myself in Manurewa," she tells GayNZ.com Daily News. Wall will be sworn in on Tuesday and get an seven and half month head start on what is almost certain to be a tenure as the MP for Manurewa. She is standing in the red-blooded electorate in the November election after being selected to replace outgoing MP George Hawkins. It's been a somewhat stunted career for the politician so far – she came into Parliament for a short stint in 2008 to replace the retiring Ann Hartley. Wall says it was great to have the support of former Party President Andrew Little and Leader Phil Goff, who were vocal in their desire for her to take the vacant place. "It feels great to be welcomed into the team with open arms and for me that's very much what it's about ... joining the Labour caucus and finding out where I sit and where I can add some value is something that I will find out in the next week. It's very exciting." The 39-year-old celebrated her civil union with her partner in December. "It's quite cool. I love calling her my wife. She likes that," Wall says, before agreeing that it's positive that the media has made scant reference to her sexuality during the hubbub about whether she will return to Parliament. "When I came in last time [lesbian] was the label. I think that this time it's almost like 'who cares'. And for me who I am and the fact that I'm in a loving relationship with a woman, that we're committed to one another, is just who we are. The way I live my life is very open and honest." Wall is starting a takataapui branch in Manurewa with her campaign manager and his partner and says anyone who is interested in getting involved is more than welcome.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 7th April 2011 - 3:51pm