It was a small but supportive group that came to listen to National MP and local government spokesperson Simon Watts and National’s Whanganui candidate Carl Bates speak in Stratford last week.
Eighteen people attended Thursday afternoon’s meeting, which was held in the parish hall of the town’s Roman Catholic church, and they were clearly generally supportive of National’s planned response to the various issues discussed over the afternoon.
From repealing all four bills forming the Three Waters legislation within the first 100 days of government to getting tougher on gangs, young offenders and beneficiaries, statements around each of these topics were greeted with light applause and approving nods.
Carl said his presence in Stratford was part of a promise he had made earlier this year.
“Back in February, I was visiting businesses in Stratford and was talking with Mike Henry, who is here today. He said you needed someone who knew Stratford and knew the issues, [and] it needed to be someone who visited regularly. I think, Mike, I’ve kept my promise.”