David Seymour and Maggie Barry to debate euthanasia in Whanganui

ACT Party leader David Seymour. Photo / File

It is one of the most contentious topics in New Zealand right now — and the argument is set to heat up here in Whanganui.

Few issues have divided opinion like the euthanasia debate, and the Chronicle letters page has shown the vehement views held in the city.

Now the man behind the End of Life Choice bill, the assisted dying legislation that is before Parliament, is coming here to make his case.

ACT Party leader David Seymour will attend a public meeting on May 29 at the Whanganui Central Baptist Church in Wicksteed Street.

Presenting a counter argument to Mr Seymour will be National MP Maggie Barry who, rather than advocating help for people to end their lives, has put forward the Access to Palliative Care bill.

Her private members bill — one of 67 in the ballot — supports continued palliative care over voluntary termination of life.

The meeting has been organised by Whanganui MP Harete Hipango and will run from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.