Murray’s black, red and blue sausage sizzle

Taranaki’s Murray Chong is planning to cook the competition over an open flame at an election day barbecue.

Tomorrow the New Zealand First candidate for New Plymouth will host a party at his home with a selection of novelty sausages representing the three main parties in New Zealand politics.

‘‘I just thought it would be a good idea to have some coloured sausages made of the major parties, so we can grill them on election day,’’ Chong said.

The black (NZ First), blue (National) and red (Labour) bangers were specially made by the Kiwi Butcher and while the country waits for the votes to be counted Chong is planing to turn the heat up on the opposition.

‘‘The black ones will taste really good as they are but the others will need a good roasting,’’ he joked.

‘‘If you mix the black ones with either party it will taste a heck of a lot nicer because on their own they are a bit bland and they need a bit of black to spice them up.’’

The second-term New Plymouth district councillor gave a tip of the hat to Act to gain a couple of seats but shunned the Green Party’s chances.

‘‘It’s usually just a dabble of mustard but no one likes eating their greens.’’

Chong, who is ranked 30th on the NZ First list, wasn’t sure how his first foray into national politics would go but said he wouldn’t be giving up.

‘‘I’m in it for the long haul.

‘‘I’m hoping the party gets an above average showing and we can double our representation in Parliament from Saturday onwards.’’

There were differences in campaigning for a local body election and a general election but Chong had enjoyed the experience.

‘‘The main difference between a council election is I could say exactly how I feel but with central government you have to back your party but that wasn’t too difficult as I have similar political views.’’

Kiwi Butcher owner Stephen Morrison, who was remaining politically neutral, said the gimmick sausages were not the most unusual item he had ever made.

‘‘When the All Blacks played here we made black sausages and we’ve made rugby ball meat-loaves before.’’

PHOTO: GRANT MATTHEW/STUFF Stephen Morrison from The Kiwi Butcher and NZ First New Plymouth Candidate Murray Chong with Murray’s sausage brain child ahead of the election.