Media Release: Nelson Election Candidates’ Community Forum

19 August 2014

Nelson’s community and volunteer sector has some serious questions to put to the local candidates in the run up to next month’s general election.

Health, housing, poverty, community development funding and workforce issues are on the agenda for the Election Forum being run by the Community and Whanau Network and Community Work Training and Support (CWTAS).

Adrian Bayley (Democrats), Colin Robertson (Greens), Hon Nick Smith MP (National), Hon Maryan Street MP (Labour) and John Green (Conservative) have accepted the invitation to speak at the forum to be held on August 28, 12-1.30pm, at the Trafalgar Pavillion.

CWTAS Chair Pat Webster says there are some very serious concerns in the community and volunteer sector.

“A lot the problems our clients face are centred on poverty and the growing wealth gap in New Zealand,” she said. “We just can’t sit back in this country and accept breadline incomes, cold homes and sick children – the election is the time when we can speak up and use our votes in an informed way.

“That’s what this forum is about, and we’re proud to have staged it now for over a decade. With Councillor Pete Rainey in the chair we’re looking forward to an invigorating airing of views.”

Candidates will be invited prior to meeting to pick two topics selected by the Community and Whanau Network to include in their opening address, then be prepared to address questions from the floor.

CWTAS will provide a light lunch at the forum, which the public is invited to attend. A koha is requested. Thursday 28 August, 12 noon at the Trafalgar Park Pavillion.

Ends

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