Vision NZ Party leader Hannah Tamaki says she respects all faiths but believes that people who come to New Zealand should also respect the country’s way of life and its values.Tamaki also said she is concerned that some groups attempt to influence the government to advance their own agendas.No stranger to politics, Tamaki is contesting an election for the third time. This election, she is standing in the Papakura electorate.Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Tamaki said she intends to engage with people from all communities during her campaign and is confident of achieving a positive result.Commenting on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, Tamaki said she believes it was rushed through. She also said New Zealand’s immigration laws should be tightened.

National Farmers Union President Surendra Lal says only a small number of cane farmers in Labasa, including Minister Charan Jeath Singh, have begun harvesting, while most are holding off in the hope of a better offer from the Government.

Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Lal said about 95 percent of cane farmers are refusing to send their cane to the sugar mills until their concerns are addressed.

He claimed the Government and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) management continue to ignore the union and have failed to respond to its correspondence, leaving farmers frustrated over the lack of engagement.

Labour’s finance spokesperson, Barbara Edmonds, says she does not agree with all the findings in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report.

Speaking to Radio Tarana host Sanjesh Narain, Edmonds discussed the IMF’s assessment of New Zealand’s economy. While the IMF has forecast GDP growth of around 2 percent this year, she said many businesses continue to report sluggish trading conditions, suggesting the economic recovery is yet to be widely felt.

On fuel relief, Edmonds acknowledged the IMF’s view that the Government’s measures had been positive. However, she argued that Government's targeted support was aimed at helping households facing rising costs, with many forced to choose between paying for fuel or buying food.