From Tiwai to taxes, candidates cover gamut of issues
INVERCARGILL
FROM economic recovery to Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter, Invercargill residents last night heard from electoral candidates about what they will do if they win their vote.
About 100 people listened as nine party representatives gave their best pitch at the Meet the Candidates event, held at the Southern Institute of Technology’s Centre Stage.
Each had a minute and ahalf to answer questions on a range of topics, including what they would do to ensure Invercargill residents had a voice.
Labour MP Liz Craig said she had ‘‘unfinished business’’ and wanted to continue the work her Government had done.
This included leading a ‘‘decisive’’ health response to Covid19 and supporting economic recovery, increasing tax for higherincome earners, protecting businesses, caring for the environment, advocating for free apprenticeships and better education for all, and a stronger public health system.
Dr Craig argued the effectiveness of a politician should be judged not by the strength of their criticism but by how they showed up for their community.
National candidate Penny Simmonds said she wanted to fix the failures of the current Government but if she was not voted in, she would not be able to do so, because of Labour.
The former SIT chief executive put her capability down to a wealth of experience in community roles, including board positions in sports, arts and health sectors.
If she was elected, fighting for Tiwai, ending the ‘‘demonisation’’ of farmers, lowering taxes and bettering education and health were among her priorities.
Green Party candidate Rochelle Francis said her focus would be on addressing inequality, improving housing and protecting nature.
She said there was ‘‘no room for ego in politics’’ and endorsed coalition Government partner Liz Craig for the electorate vote.
New Zealand First candidate Joshua Gunn said while his party was unlikely to win the election, he wanted to be a ‘‘second line’’ for getting Invercargill issues to government.
Advance New Zealand candidate Kurt Rohloff said he wanted to be a servant to the people and speak ‘‘truths’’.
Independent candidate Basil Walker said saving Tiwai was at the forefront of his mind and he planned to take the issue to court.
Social Credit candidate Dr Winsome Aroha wanted a move to the single transferable vote and said she would ‘‘be here fighting forever’’ to stop borrowing from commercial banks.
Independent candidate Zy Hayden said he was not really looking for the community’s vote but encouraged them to think long and hard about who they chose.
New Conservative candidate Josh Honiss said he was willing to stand up on the ‘‘hard issues’’.
He said farming was sustainable in its current state, argued for a freeze on the minimum wage, rubbished the Government’s Covid19 response and KiwiBuild, and argued abortion and gun legislation was rushed.