Waatea Auckland Mayoral Debate 2016

For the first time in history, leading candidates in the Auckland Mayoralty race tackle the hard questions facing Māori and South Auckland.

Front runners Phil Goff, John Palino, Mark Thomas, Chloe Swarbrick and rank outsider David Hay are in for a tough debate at Ngā Whare Waatea Marae in Māngere South Auckland.

The debate hosted by Willie Jackson broadcasts live on Radio Waatea 603am, it also streams-live on www.waateatv.com and www.facebook/waateanews/ on Monday 26 September at 10am.

“Good on them for coming to the Marae. South Auckland is the forgotten zone by Mayors and even though Len Brown came from here we’ve had no progress under his two term leadership, so let’s see if we’re going to get more of the same from this lot.” Says Mr Jackson.

The only one not making an appearance is Auckland Future backed centre-right candidate Vic Crone. According to a Spokesperson, Ms Crone has a long standing Board appointment. The former Xero CEO is campaigning on a more inclusive society and a tightening of the City’s purse strings.

South Auckland is made up of 14% Māori, 40% Pākeha, 27% Pasifika and 21% Asian.

“Vic should come to South Auckland experience cultural diversity properly and not just out her car window on the way to the airport.”

“Let’s hope her tightening of the purse strings-policy doesn’t further adversely impact South Auckland because many of our whānau are still being whipped by the tail of the 2008 global financial crisis.” Adds Mr Jackson.

The debate focuses on issues affecting South Auckland and Māori, with some questions coming from people off the streets.

“So yes candidates will be able to give us their housing policy, but of more relevance to our whānau is what they’re going to do about warrant of fitness on boarding houses and caravan parks.”

Their views on the Independent Māori Statutory Board will be canvassed. As will their thoughts on Māori Seats or Wards.

“It’ll be interesting to see if the candidates know that 158,000 Māori in Auckland come from tribes outside of Tamakimakaurau.” Says Mr Jackson. WaateaTV is compiling street-vids which are currently playing on www.facebook/waateanews/ and www.waateatv.com. An overwhelming number of those filmed can’t name any of the leading candidates. While crime, poverty, housing, unemployment are the top four concerns of those spoken to.

Whānau who have questions for Auckland Mayoral Candidates, Phil Goff, John Palino, Mark Thomas, Chloe Swarbrick and David Hay can send them into the debate via Facebook. These will be presented to the candidates including Vic Crone. People can see responses by tuning into the debate live on Radio Waatea 603am and online www.waateatv.com or https://www.facebook.com/waateanews/ Auckland Mayoral Debate hosted by Willie Jackson Radio Waatea 603am Monday 26 September at 10am.

END

© Scoop Media