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Minister of Magic Candidates
By: Sophie Wilson It is once again time for the magical community of New Zealand to pick the next Minister of Magic. After a long run, Minister Holland will be stepping aside after ten years and a new person will take her place at the head of the Ministry. There's quite a few different candidates, and we'll be providing some background information on all of them.
Siobhan McGowan
First on the list is a candidate already connected to the Ministry, as she currently works as the head of the Quidditch League and has over the past few years. Siobhan McGowan was born in Ireland and attended school in New Zealand before returning to the UK. Now, as an adult she has returned to our country and has worked hard at the Ministry in her department. McGowan's campaign revolves around education, better resources for families and a safer and happier magical community. She stresses the importance of the Ministry as an resource in everday life, and not just an organisation to keep everyone safe.
Victoire Fontaine
Another candidate already closely associated with the Ministry. Victoire Fontaine is a young mother of two and currently works in the International Magical Office of Law department at the Ministry. She went to school in New Zealand as well, attending Hogwarts and graduating as Head Girl. Victoire joined the ministry right after graduation and has been working hard to make a difference in the magical community from her position there. Interesting is that Victoire Fontaine has a connection to the current minister, as she focused as an intern on her campaign ten years ago. Fontaine's campaign seems to be focused on security and safety. Both in terms of stopping crime, as in financial security and job security for witches and wizards in New Zealand. She also mentions wanting to make sure no muggleborns are at a disadvantage, something Minister Holland also used as the basis for her campaign. Much like candidate McGowan, she also puts an emphasis on families and their safety.
Rupert Cresswell
Unlike the other candidates, Rupert Cresswell is not currently working at the Ministry. He is a bit of a mystery. Candidate Cresswell's background is in curse-breaking, which has given him insight int he darker elements of magical society, in his own words. He cites this experience as he explains his campaign would focus on a stronger emphasis on surveillance and infiltration. He also stresses the importance of a more transparent Ministry, something the ordinary people in the wizarding community can easily understand. Other policies he cites are the support of the Ministry to magical businesses, and wanting continued study and internship after a Hogwarts education.
James Cade
The youngest candidate, at only 28, is James Cade. Currently working as an Auror under Head Auror Mason Talarico. While Mr. Cade is the youngest candidate, he does seem to know what he wants to achieve. Born in the US, Mr. Cade attended HNZ where he was a prefect. Cade's campaign is based on keeping things good in New Zealand, as according to him, things are good as they are. His main priority seems to be improving cooperation between international communities. The way he wants to achieve this is by reintroducing the Triwizard tournament, a tournament between different magical schools that, in the past, has resulted in several deaths. He also wants to organise career fairs for OWL and NEWT students every year to help them see what opportunities they have after Hogwarts. Interesting to note is that Cade is related to the current Deputy Minister, Alexander Cade. It is currently unclear if his uncle is actively supporting his campaign.
Briar Rowan-Cullen
Another candidate straight from the Ministry. Briar Rowan-Cullen is currently Head of the Department of Magical Creatures. She had lived in New Zealand for over twenty years now and went to Hogwarts in this country as well. Mrs. Rowan-Cullen is well known for her support of werewolf rights, something she continues to strive for in her current position. As a werewolf herself, it is no surprise equality and the diversity of the community are mentioned in her campaign. Candidate Rowan-Cullen doesn't go into a lot of detail about her policies yet but seems to put a lot of importance on respect for each other. She spoke favorably of the other candidates, putting them up as an example of variety in the wizarding community.
Clarissa Vernier
As Mrs. Vernier didn't speak about her policies during the recent radio broadcast, she is a bit more of a mystery. This candidate has lived in New Zealand for sixteen years, moving here from France. She also attended school in France, going to Beauxbatons for her magical education. Currently, Clarrissa Vernier is a working mother with five children. Much like most of the other candidates, Clarissa has a ministry background. She currently works for Magical Law Enforcement at the New Zealand Ministry. Clarissa strives to make the magical world safer and stronger, with no one having to feel out of place. She has an interest in attracting young talented witches and wizards to the Ministry.
This was a short overview of all the candidates. Be sure to keep an eye out as most of them are campaigning around the wizarding shopping areas. The first debate is also coming up soon. If you want to learn more about any candidates or their policies, listening to the debate is a good way to do that.