Final Hawke's Bay Today election debate on tonight

Hawke's Bay Today holds its third and final candidates debate tonight.

It will be between the candidates for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti seat and will feature incumbent MP and Labour candidate Meka Whaitiri, Dr Elizabeth Kerekere of the Green Party and current Maori Party List MP Marama Fox.

The meeting will be from 6pm-8pm at Irongate School hall in Flaxmere.

Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin said the newspaper was proud to be able to hold the debates so the community could get to know the people wanting to represent them.
"It is vital in our democracy for people to make an informed decision and this is a way for them to hear directly from the candidates."

Mr Austin will moderate the debates and will ask questions sent in by readers, as well as from the newspaper's reporters. No questions will be taken from the floor.

The newspaper held two earlier debates in the Napier and Tukituki electorates.

■Questions may still be sent to editor@hbtoday.co.nz. There will be a gold-coin donation at each meeting with proceeds going to the Salvation Army. Doors open at 5.45pm.