Mt Albert Candidate Interview: Ricardo Menéndez March

NEWS | ISSUE ELEVEN | MAHIMAHI / SEX

Written by Liam Hansen (they/them) | @liamhanse.n

“Nobody is entitled to their own seat,” says Ricardo Menéndez March with the confidence that he can steal Mount Albert from White and turn it green just as the party has pulled off before. Unlike White and Lee, both of whom are stuck in the risky thirties of their party lists, Menéndez March is steadfast in the top ten of the Green Party, allowing him to continue navigating their work against the endless fast-tracks in Parliament while understanding the area on a holistic level. We met a few weeks later at his old workplace of the Capitol Cinema, where a current staff member had already claimed him for a chat about the electorate by the time I arrived slightly late due to bus delays. Admittedly, Green MPs kill in these arts spaces given the standards are so low that their presence in music venues and indie cinemas is in of itself an act of defiance against the government’s consistent minimisation of their arts funding. In spaces like this, we’re all in our own echo chamber, which is why I wanted to get his perspective on getting through to the other side of the spectrum. 

Liam Hansen

How has the campaign been going, especially balancing parliamentary urgency in Wellington with electorate work in Auckland?

Ricardo Menéndez March

This parliamentary term has created tension between fighting harmful bills introduced under urgency in Wellington and serving constituents here in Auckland. We have worked hard to maintain that balance, and I look forward to spending full time on the ground in Auckland once Parliament rises. Our constituents want us fighting against adverse policy changes in Wellington on their behalf.

Liam Hansen

What lessons did you take from the 2023 campaign into this election?

Ricardo Menéndez March

Ground campaign is everything. We do not rely on big corporate donors like TOP or National, so we depend on door-knocking, phone-banking, and direct conversations. We are ahead of where we were last election. I also bring a proven parliamentary track record of advocacy and outcomes - such as member bill amendments for disability assist dogs, reuniting migrant families, and removing benefit sanctions for solo mothers.

Liam Hansen

What do you see as the key local issues specific to Mt Albert?

Ricardo Menéndez March

The boundary changes brought parts of Wesley into the Mt Albert electorate - an area I worked in during the 2023 flood recovery. Wesley highlights the consequences of the government cutting the public housing program. Land intended for public housing sits undeveloped, leaving displaced families unable to return. Affordability, cost of living, and stalled housing infrastructure specifically impact this electorate.

Liam Hansen

How do you plan to support local small businesses and hospitality venues in areas like Wesley and Mt Albert?

Ricardo Menéndez March

We will be releasing a small business package addressing commercial rents, which are a major barrier to venue viability. In Parliament, I have advocated to cap merchant fees at 1% and ban surcharges to reduce operating costs for small businesses. Prioritizing small businesses over large corporations protects local jobs, vibrant neighborhoods, and migrant livelihoods.

Liam Hansen

How do commercial rents and cost-of-living pressures affect arts, culture, and music venues across the electorate?

Ricardo Menéndez March

High commercial rents limit the viability of creative third spaces like Capital Cinema, 605, and Big Fan. Furthermore, cost-of-living pressures affect young families' ability to participate in and support local cultural venues. Addressing commercial rents and everyday affordability helps sustain both the venues and the local audience.

Liam Hansen

How do you respond to arguments regarding vote-splitting between Labour and the Greens in Mt Albert?

Ricardo Menéndez March

No party owns a seat. In Auckland Central, Chlöe Swarbrick faced similar vote-splitting arguments from Labour and went on to win the seat. We believe we can turn Mt Albert Green. Candidates should be evaluated on their track record of delivering outcomes and effective constituency advocacy rather than simply billboard presence.

Liam Hansen

What is your critique of The Opportunity Party (TOP)?

Ricardo Menéndez March

TOP lacks a coherent vision. They claim to shake up politics while speaking down on trade unions that secured fundamental workers' rights, accepting large corporate donations, and leaving open the possibility of propping up a conservative government. Only the Green Party consistently fights for working people rather than corporate donors.

Liam Hansen

What key issues are public servants and workers raising with you regarding the cost of living?

Ricardo Menéndez March

It centers on overall affordability - groceries, high rents, and energy bills. Many households feel one unexpected emergency away from debt. You can tackle climate change and protect biodiversity while simultaneously lowering power bills and making life affordable for everyday New Zealanders.

Liam Hansen

What is your long-term vision for the Mt Albert electorate by 2029 or 2030?

Ricardo Menéndez March

My goal is to restore stalled public housing projects, expand public transport infrastructure to support urban intensification, and ensure constituents have direct support navigating state services. I also aim to empower local community advocacy groups - such as those focused on safe walking routes, flood protection, and stream restoration like Oakley Creek.

Liam Hansen

What is the Green Party's stance on Auckland Light Rail and transport for Wesley and Mt Albert?

Ricardo Menéndez March

Rapid rail infrastructure across Auckland is essential. Unlike Labour's costly underground proposal, the Green Party advocates for surface light rail. Surface light rail is cheaper, faster to construct, and less disruptive to local businesses.

Liam Hansen

How do you engage with voters from across the political spectrum when door-knocking?

Ricardo Menéndez March

I approach conversations with genuine curiosity. Everyday working families - whether voting National, Labour, or Green - share core concerns around cost of living and security. By listening to people's lived realities rather than making assumptions, we can find common ground and address core material needs.

Liam Hansen

What is your message to tertiary students in the electorate?

Ricardo Menéndez March

The Green Party stands for fee freezes, adequate income support, and strengthening student associations. In our upcoming policy packages, we will focus on ensuring students do not graduate into debt and hardship from unpaid placements or public sector job cuts.