Candidates face public scrutiny at first meeting

Mount Maunganui, Papamoa by-election candidates Janet Peters, Murray Guy, Leanne Brown, Matua Parkinson and Clare Wilson.

Tsunami sirens and the creation of a Maori ward were two of the major topics discussed at a meet the candidates meeting last night for the Mount Maunganui and Papamoa byelection.

About 100 people turned up at the Papamoa Sports and Recreation Centre for the meeting. After a short introduction from each of the five candidates, candidates were asked selected questions.

Mount Maunganui, Papamoa by-election candidates Janet Peters, Murray Guy, Leanne Brown, Matua Parkinson and Clare Wilson.

The first was: "Are you in favour of a specific Maori ward on council?"

Murray Guy said he would not support the creation of a Maori ward at this time because "the picture is much bigger than that ... we need to look at what is going to secure the best outcomes for our whole city."

Mr Guy added he supported the idea of wards because they enhanced democracy.

Next up was Leanne Brown who agreed with Mr Guy.

"Ethnic groups are represented across the board in various ways. If we open separate wards to one ethnic group we have to open them to them all. They can come to meetings or speak to councillors. Councillors are responsible for the whole city."

Clare Wilson said she had mixed feelings on the subject, "All councillors are there to represent all people but we have obligations under the Treaty."

Mrs Wilson said she thought she would support a Maori ward.

Janet Peters said, "It's really tricky and I do not have knowledge or the background to form an opinion."

Last up was Matua Parkinson who said he opposed it because it would dilute the Maori voice. "I'm proud to be Maori. If I'm elected, I am not going as a Maori representative but as a Mount Maunganui and Papamoa ward representative. I am a representative on the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, not because I'm Maori or because someone gave me a free pass."

Next the candidates were asked for their opinions on present and past councils' attitudes on the installation of tsunami sirens.

I'm not the smartest man in the world but you can't stick a square peg in a round hole. Council needs to look at what they are doing.

Matua Parkinson

Ms Brown spoke first, saying local councils and civil defence had been working together to create emergency systems. Ms Brown suggested that Neighbourhood Watch should also get involved.

Mrs Wilson said people were still waiting for an effective tsunami evacuation system.

Ms Peters said she would assume that local organisations were following due diligence and tsunamis were something that many people had approached her about.

Mr Parkinson asked how would thousands of people would get from Papamoa East on a single road to safety.

"I'm not the smartest man in the world but you can't stick a square peg in a round hole. Council needs to look at what they are doing."

Mr Guy said he had been one of the strongest advocates for tsunami sirens in this region.

"I personally believe we should have a city-wide emergency system."

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