Maxim chair 30 Political Forums around New Zealand featuring more than 30 MPs

Tonight will see the Maxim Institute Political Forum road show visit East Auckland, the tenth election debate in a series of over 30 events scheduled to take place across the country.

Maxim Institute Managing Director Greg Fleming has been chairing the two hour Political Forums which begin with an explanation of MMP. MPs and candidates from parties currently represented in Parliament outline how their party’s principles outwork in policy areas such as education, tax and spending, before answering questions from the audience.

So far 26 MPs and several candidates have taken part in the Forums which have proven to be both informative and entertaining. Another 20 Forums are scheduled to take place before the election – all at the invitation of local people keen to see their electorate informed.

Nine Political Forums have already taken place in; Masterton, Nelson (local event), New Plymouth, Christchurch, Invercargill, Alexandra, Helensville (Voice Rodney), Upper Hutt (Promote) and Dunedin.

“Maxim was motivated to help facilitate professionally organised forums in local towns following the overwhelming success of the first election debate for 2005, hosted by Parachute Music Festival, and attended by over 4,000 (mainly) young people”, says Greg Fleming.

“Whilst Maxim has provided the organisational infrastructure to help make these events a success, the credit must go to the local organiser in each region who was motivated enough to volunteer time and energy to make them happen. These people have helped provide a valuable service to their local community,” says Fleming.

For details of the upcoming Election 2005 Political Forums around New Zealand visit; www.maxim.org.nz/events

ENDS

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