Parties pitch to Chinese

New Zealand's Chinese community has sent a strong message to politicians: they will not be ignored this election.

The community held its first large- scale political debate in Mt Albert yesterday. Organised by 22 Chinese media outlets, it was broadcast live on radio and highlights will also screen on Chinese TV.

About 600 people heard representatives from seven political parties pitch for the Chinese vote.

Missing was the Maori Party's Pita Sharples, who had a funeral to attend.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen reiterated the Government's economic and social stewardship over the past five years.

Act leader Rodney Hide spoke of a flat tax rate of 25 per cent, and welfare reform, while the Greens talked about a clean environment and renewable energy sources.

New Zealand First deputy leader Peter Brown defended the country's stance on immigration: "Has anyone asked you about the level of population we want?

"Isn't it reasonable that we should have a part of the say on how big this country should be?"

National finance spokesman John Key highlighted party member Pansy Wong, New Zealand's first Chinese MP.

United Future leader Peter Dunne raised eyebrows when he said the party wanted a population of five million in New Zealand in the next 10 years.

"The threads in culture and background that you bring all amount to making New Zealand the best multi-cultural, multi-ethnic country in the world."

The Progressive Party, represented by businessman Meng Ly, spoke about the job done by its leader, Jim Anderton, as Minister of Economic Development in terms of job creation.

Then they were put at the mercy of Chinese media. Questions covered law and order, social welfare, education, health and inevitably immigration.

Act and National both said their tax cuts would be funded by trimming Government expenditure.

Mr Dunne brushed off accusations of being Labour's lapdog, saying his party has made MMP work properly.

A questioner who said he had observed a solo mother of four fill out a hire purchase form and disclose benefit income of $2700 a month, asked Dr Cullen whether benefits had become a lifestyle choice for some.

"I don't think you can tell from her form that she made a choice. One-third of children in New Zealand today are growing up in poverty. I think all our children should have a good start in life," Dr Cullen replied.