Clarity of Lawrence Yule's position on water ownership is being sought by his opponent for the Tukituki seat in this year's election.
In the coming months a regional water hui will be held to discuss water issues in the region - convened by Hastings Mayor Mr Yule, Hawke's Bay Regional Council chairman Rex Graham, and Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana.
Last week Mr Yule - who is the National Party candidate for the Tukituki seat - told Hawke's Bay Today the hui was a "a blank sheet of paper" but the conversation had been transferred "from 'nobody owns the water' to 'everybody owns the water".
His opponent for the Tukituki seat, Labour candidate Anna Lorck, has welcomed this, but said these comments raised questions for Mr Yule as the National Party candidate.
"Everyone owning the water has long been Labour's view," she said. "It's great to see this will be the focus for what I hope is an inclusive and significant event in leading New Zealand forward on protecting our water and fresh water quality standards.