FROM THE NEWS DESK

The political landscape is shaping up to be one of the most interesting in recent elections with just over a week to go until polling day on September 23. Labour is now ahead in some polls while National continues to warn voters about supporting personalities over policy. This despite its last election campaign which was squarely put on the shoulders of former prime minister John Key and his popularity as a leader. In Matamata, people will be voting for candidates contesting the Waikato seat, which include National’s Tim van de Molen, Labour’s Brooke Loader, Green Party’s Philippa Stevenson and NZ First’s Stu Husband. They have all made themselves accessible to the public, holding various meetings, clinics and taking part in debates in town. It’s important everyone take the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidates and party. It is also important that we hold the elected candidates and part to account when they begin working and representing the electorate for the new three-year term.

Lawrence Gullery MATAMATA CHRONICLE: (07) 888 7011 News Director: Lawrence Gullery, 027 839 6388, lawrence.gullery@fairfaxmedia.co.nz AREA SALES MANAGER: Antonio Ganz, 027 204 2920, antonio.ganz@fairfaxmedia.co.nz ADVERTISING CONSULTANT: Janine Barrett, 027 404 9073 janine.barrett@fairfaxmedia.co.nz REPORTERS: Rexine Hawes, (07) 888 7011, rexine.hawes@fairfaxmedia.co.nz and Mike Bain, (07) 827 3840, mike.bain@fairfaxmedia.co.nz CLASSIFIEDS: lynda.mcrae@fairfaxmedia.co.nz (deadline 3pm Monday) DISPLAY BOOKING DEADLINE: 3pm Thursday DIGITAL EDITION: matamatachronicle.co.nz ADDRESS: 2 Tainui St, PO Box 148, Matamata 10,425 AUDITED CIRCULATION (ABC for 12 mths to 31 Dec 15).