Some of the country's highest-ranking politicians will be at a Northland Regional Economic Development Forum on Monday to explain what their parties can do to stimulate the region's economy.
The forum, organised by Alby Barr from the Whangarei branch of the Rail and Maritime Transport Workers' Union, will be at Forum North Exhibition Hall from 6pm. Confirmed attendees so far are Labour's Finance spokesman David Parker, Green Party co-leader Russel Norman, Julie Anne Genter from the Greens and New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters.
Mr Barr said the forum would focus on stimulating the region's economy, with particular focus on manufacturing, jobs, a smarter economy, trade training, education, roads, rail and coastal shipping and housing. "All the issues that need addressing for Northland from central government. For far too long Northland has been forgotten. One only has to look at the last Census statistic's relating to deprivation levels and sadly our region is up the top," he said.
"People want to hear what solutions are being proposed by the major political parties. We were hopeful National Finance Minister Bill English could come, however, probably due to the timeframe he sends his apologies."
After the high-ranking politicians speak there will be a question-and-answer session for the candidates standing in the Whangarei electorate. Mr Barr said he was organising the event as a private citizen, rather than on behalf of the union, but it was supported by the branch.