I attended the Meet the Candidates meeting last Tuesday at the Maungakahia Sports Complex.
One issue that showed a clear difference between the candidates was that of Maori wards. The candidates could not have been more divided.
In the Mangakahia–Maungatapere ward of the District Council, Tim
Robinson said he supports Maori wards, while incumbent Simon
Reid has always opposed them and supported their removal.
For the Kaipara Constituency of the Northland Regional Council, Lorraine
Norris came out strongly in favour, while incumbent John
Blackwell was just as firmly against.
Of the mayoral candidates who gave their opinion, Ken
Couper and Fiona Green both support
Maori wards, while Marie Olsen left no doubt
that she is opposed.
From where I sat, it was obvious that on the issue of Maori wards, the lines
are drawn, and the choice could not be clearer.