Howick Ratepayers and Residents AGM successful - political panel less so

On Saturday I attended the Howick Ratepayers and Residents Association AGM, along with Members Adele White and John Spiller, while Chair Bruce Kendall and Member Mike Turinsky had to leave early (as they had another event). The AGM was run very efficiently by their secretary Andreas Popping, while their Chairperson Janet Dickson outlined what they’ve been up to on behalf of their members, particularly around housing intensification.

I was less impressed with the following political panel, especially given that only one local candidate turned up - sitting MP Simeon Brown from National. Labour’s local candidate was sick and sent an alternative (Manurewa MP Arena Williams). As far as I’m aware neither Conservatives or Freedom have candidates for Pakūranga but were provided speaking slots while the local candidate for Opportunity wasn’t (despite being present) and Act (whose local candidate was unavailable but had sent a replacement, a neighbouring candidate) were also not provided a slot.

UPDATE: I understand from the organisers that all parties were invited but some did not respond before the cut off.

Unsurprisingly the NZFirst and Conservatives were particularly offensive, engaging in racist stereotypes and disgraceful immigrant bashing. There appeared to be a lot of non-locals in the room, and it became pretty unruly. I’ve attended and participated in countless election forums over the years and some of the comments made are the worst I've ever heard. The lack of self-awareness from candidates claiming to be against division was astounding.

Reminder to please ensure that you're enrolled to vote (you can't do this near the election like previously). Please also ask your friends, whānau - especially our rangatahi (youth) who tend to be under represented in enrollment statistics. You must be enrolled by 25 October for the election on 7 November. Find out more at: www.vote.nz