ASB Great Debate Provides Exclusive Opportunity for Queenstown Voters
The ASB Great Debate scheduled for Queenstown on August 26 2014 is a major debate on the pre-election calendar featuring
senior finance spokesmen from the major parties and prominent political journalist Duncan Garner.
Queenstown Chamber of Commerce CEO Ann Lockhart said the debate, which will be broadcast on RadioLive, is key to the
election and represents an unrivalled opportunity for Queenstown voters to hear Hon Bill English (National ) Hon David
Parker (Labour) Dr Russel Norman (Green) Jamie Whyte (Act) and Colin Craig (Conservative) present their respective party
views.
“There are undoubtedly a number of significant election issues but as the elections tend to focus on the economy this
finance debate will be an important forum. It is the only debate in the country, being held prior to the September 2014
election, where major parties will appear on the stage debating with the smaller parties. This is a coup for Queenstown
and we are expecting a big response from people keen to hear first-hand from the finance spokesmen what their parties
are promoting. With the various scenarios under New Zealand’s MMP voting system the election could go any way and it is
vital for voters to have all the facts at hand.”
The inclusion of prominent political commentator Duncan Garner as MC underlines the high calibre of the debate,” said Ms
Lockhart. “Major media outlets will be represented, including television, and the format of the debate allows people to
ask questions from the floor which we expect will provide both a lively and informative session.”
The Queenstown ASB Great Debate will be broadcast on RadioLive an hour after its conclusion and will include a studio
panel commentary.
The Chamber is urging people to pre-purchase tickets for the debate at the Queenstown Memorial Centre, August 26, from
6.00-7.30pm.
Door sales will be available but with strong interest anticipated it is recommended that tickets are purchased prior to
the event from the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce office or online atwww.queenstownchamber.org.nz
ends