Last look at city’s hopefuls

The five candidates vying for the Palmerston North electorate in New Zealand’s general election will tackle the major issues during the Manawatu¯ Standard political debate.

Labour MP Iain Lees-galloway, NZ First MP Darroch Ball, National candidate Adrienne Pierce, the Green Party’s Thomas Nash and Scott Andrew, from the Money Free Party, will take part in this afternoon’s debate in Palmerston North.

Hosted by Manawatu¯ news director Jimmy Ellingham, the debate will start with introductions from the candidates, before they are asked a series of questions supplied by readers and Standard staff.

The debate will conclude with a quickfire round of questions.

Manawatu¯ Standard editor Jonathon Howe said the debate was a good opportunity for Palmerston North voters to have one last look at their candidates before the election on Saturday.

‘‘The debate will broach issues that are relevant to people in Palmerston North and the wider Manawatu¯ region. One of these five candidates will be tasked with representing the city in Parliament for the next three years, so I think it’s important for voters to know who they are and what they stand for.

‘‘I expect we’ll see some healthy, robust discussion between the candidates, who will all be eager to put their best foot forward before Saturday.

‘‘And if the conversation starts to veer off track, then Jimmy will ensure things are kept running smoothly.’’

Logistical constraints mean the debate will not be open to the public, but it will be broadcast live on the Manawatu¯ Standard Facebook page and then posted to the Stuff website. Coverage and analysis of the debate will be featured on Stuff and in the Manawatu¯ Standard newspaper.

To watch the debate live, visit the Standard’s Facebook page at 1.30pm today.