Ikaroa-Rāwhiti candidates confirm BPW dinner meeting

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Business and Professional Women Gisborne (BPW) are gearing up for an engaging evening on September 5 with both Ikaroa-Rāwhiti candidates and four candidates for the East Coast electorate now confirmed to attend.

Labour Party Ikaroa-Rāwhiti candidate Cushla Tangaere will join opponent Meka Whaitiri from Te Pāti Māori on the night.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to get the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti and East Coast candidates to speak at the same gathering,” BPW president Fiona Evans said.

“Often candidates meetings are split between speakers from the two electorates but in fact, whoever wins in both seats has an impact on everyone who lives in this region regardless of whether you are Māori or non-Māori.

“The venue is filling up with bookings and takes the format of a five-minute public address from each candidate.

“Questions will ensue, allowing each candidate to answer all questions, with dinner to follow.”

Also confirmed are East Coast candidates Dana Kirkpatrick (National), Tāmati Coffey.(Labour), Jordan Walker (Green Party) and Chris Robinson (Democracy NZ).

The meeting begins at 6pm, and is at The Shark Bar, Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club.

Bookings are still being taken until midday on Thursday, August 31 to email: bpwgisborne@gmail.com