Rotorua candidates focus on business

Appearing at yesterday's Rotorua Chamber of Commerce Great Debate were (left) Lyall Russell, Todd McClay, Fletcher Tabuteau, Tamati Coffey and Rawiri Waititi. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua's business people got their chance to hear what the region's candidates could do for them at the popular Chamber of Commerce election debate.

National's Todd McClay, Labour's Tamati Coffey and Rawiri Waititi, New Zealand First's Fletcher Tabuteau and Act's Lyall Russell gave speeches, answered pre-prepared questions and questions from the audience during the two-hour event in front of about 100 people at the Distinction Hotel yesterday.

Apologies were received from Waiariki candidates Te Ururoa Flavell and Annette Sykes, along with Tauranga-based Waiariki candidate Pat Spellman.

Conservative Party candidate for Rotorua Michael Davidson was also absent.

Candidates answered a range of questions focusing on how Rotorua could grow economically and what policies their parties had in place to boost the regional economy.

Much of the focus was on the forestry sector and how candidates would help small to medium-sized businesses in the region.

It was obvious from the start that some candidates were more at home in front of a business-minded audience than others.

Mr Tabuteau's background as an economist held him in good stead, while Mr McClay had the facts and figures to back up his arguments.

Mr Russell knew enough to keep his head above water while not making the mistake of commenting on issues he was not familiar with.

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Mr Coffey, so used to being in front of an appreciative audience seemed hurried, but did cover a lot of his party's policy positions and his colleague Mr Waititi seemed to be a natural in front of an audience and made good sense. However he held back on promoting Labour policy not wanting to repeat what Mr Coffey had already said.

Each of the candidates respected the other's right to speak uninterrupted and the forum was uneventful.

Candidates will also appear at a combined Grey Power and U3A (University of the 3rd Age) election forum this afternoon in the Concert Chamber on Fenton St from 1.30pm.

On Thursday next week they will be at a National Council of Women Rotorua branch/Zonta Rotorua election forum at St Luke's Church from 6pm.

Click here for our video coverage of the debates.