On October 1, the Diocesan Justice Peace Development and Ecology Committee hosted the local political candidates for the General Election at the ‘Meet the Candidates’ event. Held at the Central Baptist Church, members from the Green, Labour, National, Opportunities and NZ First parties had an opportunity to meet, greet and share their policies with people.
The event followed the Common Grace Aotearoa series, Thriving in this Land, hosted at the Diocesan Centre. The event was MCed by Nigel Webb, Senior Pastor at Central Baptist, and Nick Wilson, Diocesan Pastoral Services Director. A state-of-the-nation report was compiled by former Alliance party MP and JPDEC member, Mr. Kevin Campbell, and delivered to all gathered. It included issues such as difficulties with the supply of housing for disabled people, the sharp increase in demand for food parcels, attacks on the Treaty of Waitangi and the need to address issues directly associated with climate change.
Questions were prepared in advance on four key election issues: disability, child poverty, the environment and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Each candidate was given the opportunity to respond and speak to their party’s policy for each issue.
The Catholic tenets of dialogue were the kaupapa of the meeting, so those gathered were asked not to interrupt or heckle the candidates in order that ideas could be expressed fully. That is not to say that everyone agreed, nor that a consensus on the right policy could be reached. However, people with different opinions and experiences were able to hold the dignity of the space as the issues were explored.
A quick-fire round on what parties supported or did not support was then held.
The opportunity for people to enrol to vote, as part of the Common Grace Aotearoa No Voice Uncounted initiative, was available. Afterwards, candidates and attendees were able to meet and talk further over coffee and dinner.
A huge thanks goes to our friends at Central Baptist for hosting and to Nigel Webb for directing the programme planning. We pray together as a people of this nation that the General Election will see a parliament elected that makes the common good a priority.
Pictured candidates, from left: Teanau Tuiono (Green Party), Tangi Utikere (Labour), Ankit Bansal (National), Steve Gibson (NZ First), Netra Ghimire (Opportunity Party)
