Voters’ time to quiz candidates
The five politicians contesting the Waikato seat in the coming general election had their chance to impress voters at a recent Meet the Candidates evening.
The Matamata Lions organised the event and about 70 people attended, most aged over 50.
Among the candidates were Stu Husband (New Zealand First); Philippa Stevenson (Green Party); Brooke Loader (Labour); Tim van de Molen (National) and Carolyn McKenzie (Democrats).
It was the first Meet the Candidates event for Loader and her introduction to the stage was met with quiet boos from some in the audience.
The evening started with each candidate introducing themselves, beginning with Husband and concluding with Stevenson.
Written questions were presented and Gord Stewart’s question regarding global warming was the first.
Other written questions ranged from what party policies were on capital gains tax, Health and Safety Act, mental health services and the future of the Maori seats.
The candidates’ response about the future of Maori seats was of particular interest.
Labour strongly supported Maori seats, which was met with applause.
But most people agreed with Stevenson, who said it should be up to Maori to decide what happens to the Maori seats.
A question asking if there would be a review of the Mental Health Act had all the candidates reaching for the microphone.
Stevenson said when the death rate was lower than the suicide rates that we have now we pulled out all stops.
‘‘We funded police to fine people, but we put none of that effort into the suicide rate we have in this country.’’
Labour and New Zealand First criticised National for cutting funding to Lifeline and other mental health services.
Van de Molen replied that suicide rates were far too high and it was a nationwide issue. He said the Government was putting more funding into areas of mental health services.
Questions from the floor were part of the itinerary, but at 9.45pm, after the last written question had been answered, the evening drew to a close.
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