And Mr Mark said his party believes the hybrid (partial) tunnel advocated by Tararua District deputy mayor Allen Benbow is the best option for a new, alternate route.
"But, we don't think this Government will support the hybrid tunnel as the best option, although it is," he said.
The closure of State Highway 3 and an alternate route was a key question put to the candidates, with Labour's Kieran McAnulty admitting it was an emotive topic.
"But, I don't see much benefit in yelling and screaming," he said.
"What you need is certainty but we can't get carried away because people need to be consulted. All the Government levers can be pushed and pulled quickly, but it needs to be the right solution."
The Green Party's John Hart said he appreciated the frustration, anger and fear being expressed by residents.
"It's important we do something quickly," he said.
National MP Alastair Scott said Transport Minister Simon Bridges knew how people felt about the issue.
"With the route now a road of national significance, the new road will be big, wide and safe because the Saddle Rd isn't a long-term solution," he said.
Mr Mark said it was building up to be a very interesting election.
"It will prove to be the most important," he said. "Labour is on the path through the ETS and water to inflict another shockwave on rural New Zealand.
"I want to apply my years of life-learning to government.
"You have to vote to be bold, make me your MP, give me three years and if I'm useless, fire me."
Mr Hart told the meeting his party wanted to allow medically assisted dying for those with terminal illnesses.
The Green Party also wants to remove penalties for those who cultivate cannabis for medical and personal use.
"We are also committed to providing a higher level of home support services and palliative care because seniors should be treated with respect and dignity," he said.
Mr Scott said a growing economy was the most important thing for people to consider when casting their vote.
"Free trade agreements are about ripping down tariffs to allow our products to get into countries with huge populations," he said. "A free trade agreement with China has seen our dairy exports going into a booming China."
But Mr Scott said water tax, as proposed by Labour, would be just another layer of cost for primary producers.
"It's important New Zealand produce doesn't go up in price," he said. "Labour's David Parker wants to bring agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme, but if National returns to power, this won't happen."
Mr Scott said there had been massive improvements in health under National, including first specialist assessments up by 148,000, infant immunisation at 98 per cent and 82 per cent of cancer patients seen within 62 days.
"Under 13-year-olds receive free GP visits and now, community service card holders' doctor's visits are to be capped at $18."
And there are more people in work than ever before.
"Seventy per cent of people able to work are working and we've more apprentices than ever and less than 5 per cent unemployment," he said. "The economy in rural areas is thriving and tourism is at an all-time high. National is very optimistic and polls tell us people are optimistic, so it's important we continue this way."
Mr McAnulty said a Labour Government was committed to ensuring stable, rural communities.
"Dannevirke will be given just as much respect and attention as any other area," he said.
"The story of a strong economy isn't true in areas like Tararua where services have increasingly become centralised. But a strong economy is essential."
Mr McAnulty said health services were chronically underfunded.
"The Tararua should not have lost direct access to their cancer nurse because of the strain on funding," he said. "If small rural towns struggle to attract health professionals, they struggle to have sustainable communities.
Sympathising with the Tararua District Council, Mr McAnulty said it was crucial government supported regional development.
"With a reducing population, the rating base here is lower and having to invest in core infrastructure and roading, is a heavy burden for small councils such as TDC," he said.
"A Labour Government will ensure regions like Tararua get the investment they need."
