Candidates go head-to-head

A CANDIDATES’ debate has been organised in Piopio on Tuesday September 5, by King Country River Care.

Taranaki-King Country MP and National candidate Barbara Kuriger, Labour list MP Angela Roberts and former Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard who is standing for ACT in Rangitikei will attend.  Te Kūiti-based lawyer Max Lamb will chair the event.

“KCRC wanted to host this event as there is so much going on in terms of policies and regulations that could have a material impact on farming, which then flows through to our communities,” KCRC chair Reon Verry said.

“Rural communities, farmers and all primary industries are facing increasing challenges. This event aims to provide our community with the opportunity to learn more about some of the parties standing for election, their policies and how they plan to solve and work with rural communities to ensure they continue to thrive.”

Each candidate is expected to present a 10-minute address focusing on their party’s ideas and solutions for rural and farming communities. The floor will then be open for questions.

“I think the questions part of the event will be most valuable for attendees. They can ask questions about issues and policies that are important to them,” Reon said.

“Hopefully there will be the opportunity to hear some robust debate between candidates, and everyone leaves feeling a little more informed.”  

The event would also give the candidates a chance to hear from the community about what was important to the people of Waitomo District, and hopefully they walked away with a few ideas themselves, he said.

The debate is free and open to the whole community.  

There is limited seating available, so the organisers ask those wishing to attend to RSVP to kcrivercare@gmail.com, so they have an idea of numbers for seating and catering.

“If we are overwhelmed with RSVP’s, we may have to look to a bigger venue.  So please let us know if you plan to come along.”

The event is planned to be held at the Fat Owl, 12 Ruru St Piopio at 6pm.