Time to question what candidates ‘‘stand for’’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

Local government election meetings are being planned across North Canterbury, amid concerns about the number of ‘‘unknown’’ candidates.

Meeting organisers in the Hurunui district say residents have indicated they want to know what candidates ‘‘stand for’’, after reports about Voices for Freedom candidates seeking to disrupt local democracy.

The Amberley District Residents’ Association was first out of the blocks with a meeting on Tuesday evening (September 6) for south ward candidates.

Chairperson Roy Myers said a last minute rush which saw 10 candidates vying for four positions meant there were a number of unknown candidates.

‘‘We are just anxious to get them have their say. Aside from two sitting councillors and a former mayor, we have no indication of where people’s allegiances are.’’

He said some residents had expressed concern Voices For Freedom candidates might be standing in Hurunui.

‘‘They’re perfectly free to stand and it’s up to others to make that choice, and we are giving people the opportunity to ask the question.’’

The Leithfield Village Hall is also hosting a south ward candidates’ meeting on September 15 and organiser Jo Hassall said she expected the question of allegiances to be raised.

‘‘I know a couple of people have asked me that and there’s ways to ask it to reveal what people stand for.’’

But she said the focus of the meeting would be ensuring candidates were aware of the issues affecting the Leithfield village.

A meeting was also planned in Greta Valley on September 21 for east ward candidates.

Hurunui District Council deputy electoral officer Naomi Woodham said she was hopeful meetings would be organised in Cheviot and Waipara, as well as daytime meetings, to ensure residents had a chance to question their candidates.

‘‘We always start with local community groups and if the local groups aren’t hosting them, the council will host them.’’

Elections were being held in the south and east wards and the Cheviot Licensing Trust.

In the Waimakariri district, meetings have been organised in Oxford and Pegasus, but there were none confirmed in Rangiora or Kaiapoi where there were high numbers of candidates.

Waimakariri District Council deputy electoral officer Sarah Nichols said she was in contact with local community groups and hoped to be able to confirm more meetings soon.

Pegasus Residents’ Group vice-president Roger Rule said he was not aware of any concerns about Voices For Freedom candidates.

Some preset questions were being prepared for the candidates before opening it up to the audience.

‘‘It will be an opportunity for people to ask questions and find out what people stand for,’’ Rule said.

■ Confirmed meet the candidates meetings:

Hurunui:
- South Ward - 7pm Thursday, September 15, Leithfield Village Hall, Brighton Street. Contact Jo Hassall 027-2422644 or email g.j.hassall33@gmail.com.
- East Ward - 7pm Wednesday, September 21, Greta Valley Hotel.

Kaikōura:
- 7pm Thursday, September 8, St Paul’s Presbyterian Church upper room, 98 Westend, Kaikōura. Hosted by St Paul’s Presbyterian Church - event page on Facebook.

Waimakariri:
- Oxford-Ohoka ward - 7pm Tuesday, September 13, Oxford Working Men’s Club. Contact Doug McPherson, Oxford Lions, 027-2231870.
- Kaiapoi-Woodend ward - 7pm to 8.30pm Thursday September 15, Pegasus Community Centre. Contact Roger Rule, Pegasus Residents’ Association, 021-2550099.
- Woodend-Sefton Community Board - 7pm to 8.30pm Thursday, September 22, Pegasus Community Centre. Contact Roger Rule, Pegasus Residents’ Group, 021-2550099.