Editorial: Debates provide insight

Candidates at Tuesday's Chamber of Commerce election breakfast debate.

I've written a lot about Dirty Politics during the past few weeks, so it was refreshing yesterday to attend an election function where Nicky Hager's book was not mentioned once.

For those who couldn't make it, here are a few of my thoughts.

Five of the region's nine candidates from the Rotorua and Waiariki electorates spoke at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast event. Each was impressive in his own way.

Being a chamber event, it wasn't surprising the main focus was on business confidence and the future and growth of Rotorua.

Incumbent Todd McClay of National was able to use his track record and plans regarding links with the Port of Tauranga and Easter trading to push his case.

Labour's Tamati Coffey focused on party policy and the key planks of investment, innovation and industry, while New Zealand First's Fletcher Tabuteau plugged his credentials as a local, as a business expert and as a teacher.

Act's Lyall Russell stuck to the party line on tax, government bureaucracy and one law for all.

The only Waiariki candidate at the breakfast, Labour's Rawiri Waititi, said Labour's economic development policy would support Rotorua and the region's small towns.

While there may have been the odd subtle dig in the speeches, it was a good-natured affair that for the most part gave the audience a good insight into the people behind the billboards and campaigns.

If you can get to one of the debates in the next week or two, especially if you're an undecided voter, it would be well worth your time.