Election 2014: Candidates have final say

Today the Rotorua Daily Post asks the region's election candidates for their final say before tomorrow's election.

Annette Sykes
Mana Movement Waiariki electorate candidate

Tomorrow Waiariki has the best opportunity in the country to change the Government. That's because the National Government needs the support of the Maori Party to remain in power. The Mana-Internet alliance has made no secret of our desire to see a Labour-led Government. Our people are struggling and need solutions and the Mana Movement have answers for our people. If our people are serious about changing the Government, then they only have one option -- a vote for Annette Sykes. As the eyes of the country are upon us tomorrow, be brave and make the choice our people want.

Todd McClay
Rotorua MP

This election is about building a better Rotorua. Our city has made good progress over the last three years. Unemployment has fallen and welfare numbers are reducing. The Rotorua Education Initiative is raising educational achievement and the Rotorua Vulnerable Children's team is better protecting children. Lake water quality has improved significantly. Crime rates are falling. We opened a Trades Academy and investment in forestry, tourism and infrastructure is creating jobs. Next year we'll build the Rotorua Child Health Centre of Excellent to improve child health. I ask you to party vote National and to vote Todd McClay.

Lyall Russell
Act Party candidate for Rotorua

National can't govern alone, which means National needs coalition partners and Act has made up all National governments under MMP. We're a team that works. Act's David Seymour is going to win Epsom, so every Act Party vote will count. It takes 16,000 party votes to get another Act MP in Government and 63,000 for another National MP, so vote tactically. Act will be in Parliament after the election and we will secure the next National Government. With Act in Parliament we will ensure our economy continues to thrive, we will be tough on crime to keep our community safe and we will target unnecessary government that holds us all back.

Te Ururoa Flavell
Waiariki MP

The Maori Party asks all people of this land to give us your party vote. We are a stable partner. I ask Waiariki voters for both of your votes. Why? We have honoured what we said we would do. We pride ourselves on being that strong, independent, Maori voice in Parliament with influence. We said we would defend Maori rights and advance Maori interests for the betterment of the country, which is what we have done. A vote for the Maori Party is exactly that, a vote for me provides solid leadership. Vote for yourself -- Tu Maori Mai - two ticks.

Fletcher Tabuteau
New Zealand First candidate for Rotorua

New Zealand First's policies are about making good choices for the people of New Zealand. We must stop selling what's left of our land and assets. Immigration must be managed. Let's grow this export based region of ours and create jobs for our youth. Let's make it a little bit easier for people in need by taking GST off our rates and food. Let's look after our elderly, they deserve all that we can give them. Winston Peters and New Zealand First are the party that will keep the extremes of either of the major parties in check. Vote common sense, party vote New Zealand First.

Tamati Coffey
Labour Party Rotorua electorate candidate

My nephew Izaeah is 3 years old. He's the most gorgeous, thoughtful, happy kid, who gives me hope. He makes me want to get into Parliament to ensure that our regions are strong, so he can stay in provincial New Zealand. I want him to have a healthy warm home to own and to grow his family in. Mostly, I want him to have pride in New Zealand - an inclusive country, where we all move forward together.Labour will ensure he has the best opportunities in life and I'll be there, fighting for kids like him every step of the way.

*New Zealand Independent Coalition candidate for Waiariki Pat Spellman, Labour Party candidate for Waiariki Rawiri Waititi and Conservative Party candidate for Rotorua Michael Davidson did not respond.