Hawke's Bay Today to hold election debates

Hawke's Bay Today is giving its readers the chance to hear directly from local candidates in the build-up to this year's general election.

The newspaper will hold three debates before the poll on Saturday, September 23.

The first debate will be between candidates standing in the Tukituki electorate. It will feature Anna Lorck (Labour), Chris Perley of the Green Party, Lawrence Yule (National), and Dick Ryan of the Democrats for Social Credit. The meeting will be at Karamu High School in Hastings from 6pm-8pm on Thursday, September 7.

The next debate will be between Napier electorate candidates and will be held at Napier Boys' High School in Napier from 6pm-8pm on Tuesday, September 12. Candidates participating are incumbent MP and Labour candidate Stuart Nash, David Elliott (Napier), Maryann Master of the Maori Party, Karl Matthys (Deomocrats for Social Credit) and Damon Rusden (Green Party).

The third meeting will be a debate 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 on Thursday, September 14 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 that 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. Questions may 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.