Citizens group Making Waves has decided on its first set of endorsements for the local-government elections, selecting three regional and two Hastings candidates as worthy of support. Those the group favour include Hawke's Bay Regional Council hopefuls Liz Remmerswaal (Hastings), Joan Ropiha (Wairoa) and Odile Balas (Napier), plus Hastings District Councilcandidates Bruce Bisset (Hastings) and Myles Lythgoe (Heretaunga). Making Waves spokesperson Angela Hair said the initial selection was based on candidates' replies to a questionnaire and their public stance on environmental protection. "We believe these are all strong candidates who not only will bring new perspectives to their councils, but have a wide cross-section of experience to add to the decision-making process," Ms Hair said. They had expressed willingness to uphold a number of democratic and environmental principles. Ms Hair said 20 candidates had so far answered the group's queries, and all replies were being put on the Making Waves website so the public could judge for themselves. Making Waves would continue the selection and endorsement process before voting and the group would publicly endorse more candidates next week. The group's meet-the-regional-candidates meeting would now be held on Thursday, September 20, from 7.30m to 9.30pm at Havelock North Community Centre, chaired by retiring Hawke's Bay Regional councillor Adrienne Williams.
