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Dr Lance O’Sullivan meeting with parties, keeping options open as he looks to political future

March 16, 2018

The 2014 New Zealander of the Year says he is "not political in the real party sense".

Talk of the 2014 New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O'Sullivan's political future has been rife, however he says he has not made a decision on a party as he looks to make a difference to the country. 

On TVNZ1's Breakfast this morning, host Jack Tame asked if he had been approached by political parties, but Dr O'Sullivan said it was "quite the opposite". 

"I've actually made lots of approaches. I'm not political in the real party sense, I'm not a person who flies a flag or a banner, I sit outside of the box really, but a lot of the things that motivate me are politically driven, and so my realisation is that to influence some of the things I'm really passionate about is probably more than having a stethoscope around my neck."

He said he had been meeting to see "who would have value in what I have to offer to, not the party, more the country".  

"I'm going out there to keep my options open but more about seeing where that fit is."

Dr O'Sullivan said a decision on a party would probably not be made this year. 

The Kaitaia doctor will be heading to the UN in April to advocate for health for indigenous people.

He said the forum intends to bring indigenous people together from around the world, to "share some of the learnings, and some of the pain". 

"It's an important part of the fabric of any society, any country, the indigenous peoples. There are challenges as a result of being indigenous. I think the whole country and society benefit from these issues being addressed."

Dr O'Sullivan would be taking two young people, 25 years and younger able to apply for a scholarship by uploading a video to the Moko Foundation Facebook page

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