Taihape's one-off candidates' meeting was a total washout according to Taihape Community Board chairwoman Michelle Fannin.
"It was very disappointing ...they don't see us as a local town. We're still lumped in as a region, yet Taihape is more than ready to be distinct as a small town.''
The turnout was poor, just 20 people, yet posters had been put up all around town, she said.
Read more: 2017 Election Poll
"I came away very upset because not one of the candidates could comment on what they could or would be prepared to do for Taihape.''