Editorial: Expect fireworks in election battles

Andrew Austin, Editor of Hawke's Bay Today.

Hawke's Bay could see at least a couple of fierce battles in this year's elections.

Top of the list is the fight between Labour's Anna Lorck and National Party candidate Lawrence Yule for the Tukituki seat.

Craig Foss' decision not contest his seat again opened up an opportunity for Hastings mayor Yule. Even though Ms Lorck was soundly beaten by Mr Foss last election, she would have fancied her chances against the incumbent.

Mr Yule will be a somewhat different proposition, but she can still raise questions about his performance as mayor.

Don't be surprised if she focuses on his handling of the water crisis and his public promise that he would see out his term as mayor. Mr Yule will point to his political record experience and contrast that with Ms Lorck's lack of experience. Either way, expect the gloves to come off at some stage in this fight.

Another intriquing fight will be for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti seat. Current Labour MP Meka Whatiri has done a good job in a large electorate, but she will be up against Marama Fox again. However, a lot has happened since then, most notably that Ms Fox (currently a list MP) is now the high-profile co-leader of the Maori Party. Also, the Mana-Maori Party deal means that there will be no vote-splitting Mana Party candidate.

Over in Napier, it will be difficult for the National Party to unseat Labour incumbent Stuart Nash considering they have not even chosen their candidate yet. In the Wairarapa electorate, which includes parts of Central Hawke's Bay and Tararua, National MP Alaistair Scott will be confident of beating second-time Labour candidate Kieran McMcAnulty again.

But you can count on one thing in all the electoriates, there will be a few surprises between now and election day.