Four Nelson candidates hit the stage for the Great Weekly MP Debate on Sunday evening to give one final push on why Nelsonians should vote them into the Nelson seat in the general election.
Current Nelson MP Rachel Boyack, Green Party candidate Jace Hobbs, National’s Blair Cameron and ACT MP Chris Baillie, answered the tough questions at McCashin’s Brewery under moderator Johny O’Donnell.
The candidates were instructed to steer away from party lines and speak from the heart about what they had to offer the Nelson electorate.
Jace was clear that he wasn’t seeking the vote as we already have an MP with proven success in Rachel and instructed the crowd to vote for her.
His main point throughout the debate was that the wealthy should be taxed more.
ACT MP Chris Baillie, however, told the audience that we should put more trust in landlords and businesses to treat tenants fairly and set wage rates respectively.
“We will put a moratorium on the minimum wage over the next three years so it's not increased unless you’re valuable,” he said.
The debate was clearly a two-horse race with Rachel and Blair pitted against each other. Their supporters not afraid to both heckle and cheer, which at times saw the candidate’s answers muted.
Rachel says she’s proud of her track record but acknowledged there is still much to be done.
When questioned on transport, with a Labour government committed to funding both the Hope Bypass and work on Rocks Rd, it was SH6 in Atawhai that Rachel named as the road causing most concern in terms of susceptibility to climate change.
When questioned on the future of the Southern Link, Blair simply answered: “it’s not on my agenda”. He said he was instead committed to getting the Hope Bypass built, something he said would only happen under a National Government.
Rachel told the crowd she would continue to get things done during a second term, even if it was in opposition.
“I’ve always prided myself on building good relationships.”
She also spoke kindly of her and Chris’ work for Nelson while in parliament.
“Sometimes in politics, we can be nice and get on with each other,” she said, which appeared to be the opposite her and Blair’s interactions on stage.
Housing and Nelson Tenths were also put forward as topics to be discussed as well as quick-fire questions for each of the candidates.
The debate can be viewed in full on the Nelson Weekly Facebook page.
The general election will take place on Saturday, October 14.
