Candidate missing in action

Christine Rankin and Kim MacIntyre - in Auckland, not Whanganui.

The mystery man has become the invisible man.

Kim MacIntyre, Conservative Party candidate for the Whanganui electorate, will not be fronting the Wanganui Chronicle candidates' debate tonight and is yet to set foot in the electorate.

A week out from the election, Auckland-based Mr MacIntyre has been most notable by his complete absence.

The Conservatives said he would be at its public meeting in Wanganui two weeks ago but that was cancelled without notification.

His partner and Epsom candidate Christine Rankin then said he would be at tonight's Chronicle debate. But after inquiries, a party spokesperson said he would not be attending, adding: "He's got other engagements that he's got on."

Despite the cancellations, the party continues to say Mr MacIntyre will be in Whanganui before the September 20 election.

"I'm sure there will be something," the spokesperson said. Last month, Ms Rankin said Mr MacIntyre's candidacy was to give the party a presence in Whanganui.

"Kim standing there gives the people a name and the party some visibility," she said. He was the only Whanganui contender not to participate in the Chronicle question and answer section with candidates.

The Chronicle has tried to reach Mr MacIntyre several times, either through the party press secretary, central North Island president Roy Brown, or via Ms Rankin. All have refused to give out his contact numbers.

Meanwhile, Rotorua has also been shunned by its Conservative candidate, Michael Davidson, who has failed to attend candidates' meetings.

The Chronicle Meet the Candidates public forum kicks off at 6pm tonight, at the Wanganui War Memorial Centre.