Labour party candidate Stuart Nash. Photo / Warren Buckland
Labour party candidate Stuart Nash. Photo / Warren Buckland
In the lead-up to tomorrow's general election, the region's political candidates have squawked, squabbled and laid out a smorgasbord of incentives for the voting public.
Napier Labour candidate Stuart Nash promised to lead campaigns against amalgamation, the proposed closure of the Napier Health Clinic's after-hours service and fracking in Hawke's Bay.
"We will continue to champion the reopening of the Napier-Gisborne railway, a greater degree of transparency at the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, a workable solution to the leasehold land dilemma and the other issues you have told me are important," he said.
"But most importantly, I will work with all key stakeholders in central Government, local government, the business community and others to drive economic growth, development and jobs."
Mr Nash's opponent, National candidate Wayne Walford, described himself as "a person with unwavering integrity who is passionate about Hawke's Bay and New Zealand".
"Hawke's Bay is a fantastic part of New Zealand that already contributes a significant percentage to New Zealand's GDP. With strong representation and advocacy for positive infrastructure and commercial development, people in Hawke's Bay can have their cake and eat it, too.
"National is the only political party that can offer a strong positive future based on sound economic principles to benefit the people and environment of the Napier Electorate."
Napier's Conservative candidate, Sensible Sentencing Trust founder Garth McVicar, said standing for the Napier electorate had been "an amazing and humbling experience".
"The thousands of people I have met have been incredibly gracious with many thanking me for the stand I have taken on public safety and advocating for our police, saying they would vote for me on the strength of my reputation as being honest and unafraid to speak my mind.
"This election Napier residents have a choice like never before. I am unashamedly a staunch advocate for traditional family values, boundaries, consequences and public safety."
Napier Green candidate Paul Bailey said there was something "seriously wrong" with the country he loved.
"We need to make our rivers clean enough to swim in again and keep our aquifers safe from fracking, we need to create a society where every child is better off and we need to build an economy that benefits every New Zealander.
"We are now solidly established as a major party. We have stable leadership and have consistently led with fresh thinking.
"Now, more than ever, the Greens need to be in Government to combat challenges facing New Zealanders."
Green party candidate Paul Bailey. Photo / Warren Buckland
In the neighbouring Tukituki electorate, Labour candidate Anna Lorck said she was a stronger voice for the region than her competition.
"Tomorrow you have the chance to vote for a stronger voice for Tukituki to front up and speak out for you, your family and for hard-working regional New Zealanders.
"If I am privileged to earn your vote and be elected as your new MP, I will put the people of Tukituki first to get a regional plan to grow jobs for locals, for affordable housing, safer communities and investment back into families."
Tukituki National MP for the past nine years, Craig Foss, wanted to thank voters for their support.
"I am proud to be your MP, always relentlessly positive for Hawke's Bay. It's an honour and privilege to represent you, your family and friends in Parliament and around the Cabinet table.
"Our Government has achieved results for Hawke's Bay - achieving a surplus, the rollout of ultra-fast broadband, roading improvements, reinstating our elected DHB and investing in health and education while looking after our most vulnerable.
"Our strong National team, led by Prime Minister John Key, will continue to deliver results on the issues that matter, delivering strong and stable Government for Hawke's Bay and New Zealand's future."
Tukituki Conservative candidate Stephen Jenkinson offered binding referenda, the first $20,000 tax free, tougher penalties for criminals and one law for all. "Voters have a real opportunity to change New Zealand for the better this election. The Conservatives are a party with commonsense policies that reflect the views of New Zealanders. "
Tukituki Green candidate Chris Perley said the country was at a crossroads this year.
"We can continue to allow a few people with short-term interests and selfish motives to be given the right to exploit our people and pollute our rivers, or we can stand and say no," he said.
"I joined the Green Party because they understand how a fair, strong community and healthy land and water is the economy's friend. It is the only basis for long-term economic success. We need a fundamental change, and the Green Party can deliver that change."
In Ikaroa-Rawhiti, the Maori seat extending from the East Cape to the Wellington region, Labour MP Meka Whaitiri said poverty, housing and jobs were "the real issues facing voters".
"Labour has a plan to address poverty through giving each newborn the best start in life with a $60 weekly payment; extend paid parental leave to 26 weeks, increase free childhood education to 25 hours a week and reduce power bills by $200-300 a year. The rockstar economy promoted by this government is a fallacy.
"A Labour-led Government with a clear plan to bring about positive change is what the voters of Ikaroa-Rawhiti are seeking."
Ms Whaitiri's opponent, MANA candidate Te Hamua Nikora said: "a vote for Te Hamua Nikora is a vote for yourself".
"I will fight to have our kids fed in their schools, to have homes built to end the housing crisis, to end unemployment and to ensure everyone is given a living wage by which we can have the dignity of being able to look after our whanau in these times of hardship we are currently facing."
