That the general election on September 20 is "truly the most important one we have had in a long time", was at least one point on which all candidates at a public meeting in Stratford on Tuesday could agree.
The event, jointly hosted by the Stratford Youth Council and Rotary Club, saw more than 80 people turn up to hear from seven candidates, representing Labour, National, the Greens, NZ First and Internet Mana.
Labour's Whanganui candidate, Hamish McDouall, was first to speak, citing his experience as a councillor in Wanganui Council as evidence of his abilities. "I am experienced and I am able," he said.
It was that very role as Wanganui councillor and deputy mayor that National's incumbent MP Chester Borrows identified as a problem for voters who didn't live in the city.
"Do you want to be represented by the deputy mayor of Wanganui or someone who has lived and worked in your community?" he asked the South Taranaki audience.