SEPTEMBER MAHURU 2023
Above left: Lee Donoghue NZ First, Michael Hurle ACT, Ben Wylie-van Eerd TOP, Ginny Andersen Labour, Neelu Jennings Green Party, Chris Bishop National, Max Rangitutia Vision NZ. Above right: Adam Kennett faces off with Lee Donoghue.
Low numbers at election meeting in new venue by Louise Parry A substitute candidate, two walkouts and extreme views marked last week's Hutt South candidates' meeting at the Petone Baptist Church. The meeting, usually held in Eastbourne every three years, was a collaborative effort, hosted by the Eastbourne Lions and the Jackson Street Programme. Despite a relatively low turnout, all seven parties fielding candidates in the Hutt South electorate were represented in their fourth such meeting in as many nights. Due to Act's Andy Parkins falling ill, Remutaka electorate candidate Michael Hurle spoke on his behalf. Notably, five parties sought party votes only, with Labour and National the only two asking for two ticks this election.
If the success of one’s argument is measured by the number of people who exit while one is speaking, then NZ First’s Lee Donoghue emerged as the victor. Backed by a small but vocal group of supporters, Mr Donoghue argued for the eradication of “woke” ideologies and expressed concerns about what he perceives as schools’ indoctrination of young people into the LGBTI+ community. The Opportunities Party (TOP) candidate Ben Wylie-van Eerd chose to walk out at this point, a move later mimicked by a post-meeting discussion between Donoghue and 15 year-old Adam Kennett. Adam's interest in politics prompted him to attend the meeting with his mother. Specifically, he was keen to enquire about the stances of right-wing representatives regarding
the removal of the current gender and sex education from the NZ curriculum and the claim that schools were introducing young people to pornography. Incumbent Hutt South MP Ginny Andersen ran through a list of Labour’s achievements in the Hutt Valley, concentrating on housing, health, schools, roading and public transport and policing. National's Chris Bishop talked about his party's support of the Melling Link, the Lower Hutt birthing centre, housing and transport. Candidates from ACT, Greens, TOP, NZ First and Vision NZ spoke more broadly about their policies. Election feature, including a list of polling booths: Pages 10-13.
PETONE 25 Bouverie Street Phone: 569 8311
UPPER HUTT 9 Park Street Phone: 527 2227
PORIRUA 3 Semple Street Phone: 233 8009
11 September – 2 October 2023
Promotion valid 11September – 2 October 2023. Available in-store only, on selected items. While stocks last.