Minor parties still in candidate selection process

Karl Matthys from Taradale, who is standing as Napier candidate for the Democrats for Social Credit in Septembers general election.

Several minor parties will be contesting this year's general election, but most were still yet to confirm whether they would stand candidates in the Hawke's Bay electorates.

The Democrats for Social Credit party, however, this week announced it would stand a candidate in the Napier electorate for this year's general election, joining its Tukituki candidate Dick Ryan.

Taradale resident Karl Matthys will be standing for Napier, and said he was drawn to the party for its support of all New Zealand citizens receiving a basic income.

A retiree himself, who was grateful to receive a pension, Mr Matthys said he believed this privilege should be extended to all citizens, not just the elderly.

"At the same time it would do away with a lot of the existing benefits, like unemployment and sickness, as well as the expensive administration that comes with that.

"The existing welfare system can be very unfair, demanding that people do things that are at times undemocratic, unpleasant and asocial."

He said it would be a means to not only counter the growing poverty in New Zealand, but also future-proof against the likelihood of jobs being lost in the face of the increasing use of automation.

On more regional issues, he said the party strongly opposed the sale or partial-sale of the Port of Napier, instead suggesting the Reserve Bank should be called on to fund the facility's expansion.

Meanwhile Gareth Morgan's The Opportunities Party had been conducting roadshows around the country gathering candidates from the regions, but as yet none for Hawke's Bay.

A spokesperson said no decisions had been made yet, but that the process was underway to consider what electorates candidates would be stood in.

"All will be revealed."

At the beginning of this month the party welcomed three new candidates to its team, all from the South Island where party leader Dr Gareth Morgan said communities had shown support.

"It is notable that they are all from the Canterbury Plains and Otago lakes area, which shows the strong response The Opportunities Party (TOP) has had in this area. People are sick and tired of watching their fresh water degrade. It is time for change."

The Opportunities Party was one of several to release policies on cannabis in recent weeks, and also took Aoteaora Legalise Cannabis Party (ALCP) president Abe Gray into its fold.

ALCP secretary Irinka Britnell said the party was still committed to its cause and welcomed nominations for candidates from the Hawke's Bay region.

"We may not get many electorate candidates but we will get a few list candidates.

"We are not ready to fold our tent yet - people are still getting arrested and still going to jail.

"Until these other parties' policies actually translate into action we are holding hands together one more time to give it another push."

Despite its troubles surrounding former leader Colin Craig, the Conservative Party was not giving up as it still had a great support base, said party secretary Kevin Stitt.

"We have not identified anyone to stand in Hawke's Bay at this stage, there's one or two possibilities and we may announce something in the next month."

A spokesperson for the Internet Party said they would be announcing details regarding their candidate recruitment and appointment process soon.

The Ban1080 party did not respond in time for print.