Hawke's Bay Today's Great Amalgamation Debate on Tuesday night was certainly a spirited affair and set the stage for a very important vote on amalgamation.
When you put skilled politicians like Napier Mayor Bill Dalton, MP for Napier Stuart Nash, regional councillor Rick Barker and Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule on a stage, you are sure to get a good debate. Add polished orator Ngahiwi Tomoana, the chairman of Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, and the quirky wildcard Mike Butler of the Hastings against Amalgamation group, and it was no wonder the debate was full of fireworks.
Bill Dalton was, well, Bill Dalton. Solid, but no surprises. However, he did unfairly dismiss a reader's question on resignations by office holders if their side did not prevail.
Mr Yule made a surprising admission that rates will go up if amalgamation occurs, while he also finally answered a question he has avoided -- that he and Mr Dalton are not good friends. Mr Nash had some good moments, but his loss of composure at heckling from the audience revealed a side not seen before. He will know it was not his best performance.
Mr Tomoana did not have many opportunities but produced the highlight of the night by breaking into a song of unity. He ruffled some feathers with a rather pointed comment aimed at his opponent Mike Butler. Mr Butler stuck to his script, but was not as skilled a speaker as the politicians. Rick Barker gave a polished speech, but did make a misstep or two later.
