Standing room only as ‘Cat’ sets tone
LAST night’s candidate forum in Dunedin was a standingroomonly event.
Phil Somerville’s Opoho candidates forum was packed to the rafters, more than 200 people filling the hall and the back rooms at Opoho Presbyterian Church, trying to find the perfect candidates to vote for.
Mr Somerville, who as usual adorned a Cat in the Hat headpiece, set the tone for the meeting, and said the night was about learning who people wanted to vote for, and if one of the 15 candidates was not to someone's fancy, at least they might have a little fun.
The event was for Dunedin City Council candidates surnames MaW.
However, both Cr Jim O’Malley, and candidate Callum Steele gave their apologies.
Councillors Marie Laufiso, Christine Garey, Carmen Houlahan and mayor Aaron Hawkins attended the first evening instead of tonight’s event.
Mr Hawkins played into the lightheartedness of the event during his opening statement.
‘‘It’s always good to be in the company of a Cat in a Hat and his terrible jokes,’’ he said.
Candidates answered a series of multichoice questions about varying hot topics including rates, cycleways, buses, George
St, vaccinations, mana whenua involvement in council, Three Waters, State Highway One and parking.
Most candidates remained positive throughout the questions, with a few minor heckles and yells.
That changed when they were asked to identify if they were fully vaccinated and boosted.
Everyone present was, except Richard Seager, Malcolm MoncriefSpittle, David Milne, Pamela Taylor, and Cr Lee Vandervis.
Mr Seager refused to answer the question saying it was ‘‘out of order’’, and Mr Milne came to his defence and asked Mr Somerville if he intended ‘‘to ask me whether I’ve had a vasectomy’’.
The event was swiftly pulled back on track with two short 30second questions on climate change response and saving Dunedin railways.
Some of the more lighthearted moments included quickfire questions about favourite hobbies, what type of bird they would be, and what their favourite films were. Cr Jules Radich excitedly mentioned one of his favourite films was Groundhog Day, and was met with a positive reaction.
There will be a final event 7pm tonight at the church for the remainder of candidates.