Wanganui people last night got their chance to meet the local candidates standing in this year's general election.
In front of a crowd of almost 300 people at the War Memorial Hall, nine people standing in the Te Tai Hauauru and Whanganui electorates took part in the Chronicle's "Meet the Candidates" forum.
Topics in the two-hour meeting ranged from climate change to tax to growing the region's economy, and many others.
Asked about foreign ownership of New Zealand land, Chris McKenzie, representing the Maori Party in Te Tai Hauauru, said Maori had been "concerned about foreign ownership ever since the New Zealand Company pulled into Wellington Harbour" - a comment greeted by roars of laughter from the audience.
"However, now that we're all here, we say no sale of the whenua [land]. It should stay in our hands," Mr McKenzie said.
One audience member asked National's Whanganui MP Chester Borrows why locals hadn't been informed about the presence of so-called chem trails in the skies over Wanganui.
Mr Borrows replied: "I have been seeing vapour trails in the sky since I was a boy, and I'm not afraid of them."
Mr Borrows was also succinct when asked whether he could refute the rumour that the Maori Land Court and the High Court would be leaving Wanganui.
"Yes," he said, and sat down.
Jordan Winiata, representing Internet Mana for Te Tai Hauaru, was concerned about the well-being of future generations.
"We are dedicated to ensuring we have a free public education system, and free tertiary education. Education is very important to our younger generations."
Alan Davidson, representing Act in Whanganui electorate, said Act would "not offer half-cooked policies to bribe voters". He was concerned about cutting taxes, and introducing further charter schools to deliver better outcomes for under-privileged children.
Te Tai Hauauru candidate for the Greens Jack McDonald, said a healthy economy was based on a healthy environment.
Adrian Rurawhe, representing Labour for Te Tai Hauauru, admitted the controversial Foreshore and Seabed Act had been a mistake for the Labour Party.
"We have mechanisms to ensuring that never happens again within the Labour Party."
Whanganui candidate for the Maori Party Nancy Tuaine said her party's policies were of benefit to all people in the electorate, whether Maori or non-Maori.
The only candidate missing was Kim MacIntyre who is standing for the Conservative Party in Whanganui.