Election Update

Kia Ora ano, sorry for the delay - been busy doing things that have taken me away from the computer and internet for most of the week.

Anyway - my reflections on the Native Affairs debates this week:

Waiariki was exactly how I thought it would go - personal, catty, scrappy and Louis Te Kani playing a bit part role. I feel sorry for Te Ururoa Flavell - I had seen him earlier that day at Parihaka at Te Kauhoe Wano's Tangi - and talking to various people Te Ururoa had been at the Pa until 2-4am that morning before heading back to New Plymouth only to be back at the tangi at 8-30am on the Monday and then driving to Rotorua in time for the debate - he looked pooped on TV and it showed -  but credit to the man he fronted up and performed brilliantly. Annette performed okay - got  a bit at too personal at times and played dirty politics in my opinion while offering not much in terms of policies - if she did they were lost in the muck-raking. Nevertheless she related well to the Mana supporters and may have picked up some more votes on the way - credit to her. Louis Te Kani done okay for someone reasonably new to the public spotlight and related party policy well as well as also clearly defining where he stands on local issues such as new roads through Rotorua - I thought Julian Wilcox was a bit harsh on him though - asking him and him only to state that if he failed to achieve certain goals would he resign as Waiariki MP if elected. PREDICTION: Te Ururoa Flavell to hold by a slim margin - He articulates well and appeared cool-headed under pressure during the debate. Annette's could tip him up IF her supporters are enrolled and can get out to vote.

The Ikaroa-Rawhiti debate was held on the Wednesday in Gisborne - three awesome Ngati Porou men went head to head and delivered a good debate. Current MP Parekura Horomia for Labour, Maori candidate Na Raihania and Tawhai McCluthchie for Mana. The three articulated well what they would do for the electorate - mainly in Gisborne and further up the coast - they weren't really pressed on issues further afield such as the Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa leading me to wonder what their commitments to those areas are. However, Na Raihania impressed in this debate as being a confident speaker and spoke to party policy well - to me he won this debate. Tawhai impressed as well, however he didn't seem to land any killer blows that gave me any confidence on his ability as an MP. PREDICTION: Parekura to be returned once again for a last hurrah - he has a good and loyal following on the Coast - that will be eroded for sure - but he also is held in high regard in other parts of the electorate and has a reputation for being heavily (excuse the pun) involved in local matters (marae openings, birthdays, meetings etc.) Look for Na Raihania to push him though and possibly pick up the seat in 2014.

Again, this post is a bit behind the schedule, but I'll try and catch up this week starting with Te Tai Tokerau debate tonight 8.30pm Native Affairs Maori TV.