Deputy PM reminds Tauranga of 'stark choice'

Bill English at public meeting Club Mount Maunganui. Photo/George Novak

Deputy Prime Minister Bill English has reminded Tauranga voters there is a "stark choice" in who they will help elect to Parliament in this year's general election.

Mr English is in Tauranga today and held a public meeting at Club Mount Maunganui.

About 100 people gathered to hear the Finance Minister speak, many wearing National badges.

Mr English spoke for about 45 minutes and commended his National comrade Health Minister and Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall, who retires after the election on Saturday.

Mr English spoke at length about keeping young people on track and ensuring a brighter future for the nation. This included tackling the growing numbers of young people coming on to benefits at an early age and remaining on them.

Mr English said there were 2000 tough kids in New Zealand that were effectively million-dollar kids because they use dozens of Government services and there were moral and fiscal reasons to stop this.

He also spoke about economic stability and "the others" who were making big spending promises that they wouldn't be able to deliver on.

Bill English at public meeting Club Mount Maunganui. Photo/George Novak

Throwing money at the problem was not always the answer, he said.

Mr English took several questions from the audience before the meeting ended.