I studied economics and international trade at the University of Auckland. This is when I became an ACT supporter. Economics opened up my mind to alternative solutions to the big issues we face today, such as poverty and the environment. It was a revelation to me at the time that trade and free markets have pulled billions of people from hardship and poverty. It is only through prosperity that people have the wealth and living standards needed to care about the environment. Throwing more money at problems is not the solution. A Government action—whether that's a new regulation, tax, or hand-out—no matter how well-intended, does not always lead to better outcomes. I believe that we should not judge policies and programmes by their intentions to do good; we should judge them on results. This requires critical thinking—people unafraid to question, challenge the status quo, and put forward new ideas. That's what I found in the ACT Party.