21 Nov 2013

Christchurch East hopefuls questioned on local ties

11:21 am on 21 November 2013

Locals have quizzed candidates vying to be the next MP for Christchurch East on how personally connected they are to the electorate.

Eight of the 10 contenders for this month's by-election faced about 40 locals at a public meeting on Thursday.

One resident asked whether the candidates had been in Christchurch for the 22 February 2011 quake.

Labour candidate s Poto Williams admitted she had not, having only arrived in Christchurch from Auckland nine months ago.

However, Ms Williams is the only main contender who actually lives in Christchurch East.

National Party candidate Matthew Doocey and the Greens' David Moorhouse stressed that they grew up in the city but said they did not live in the electorate now.

The by-election was sparked by the resignation of Labour MP Lianne Dalziel and will take place on 30 November.

Candidates

Leighton Baker Conservative Party; Matthew Doocey, National Party; Ian Gaskin, Independent; Adam Holland, Independent; Paula Lambert, Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party; Jenner Lichtwark, Democrats for Social Credit; David Moorhouse, Green Party; Sam Park, Independent; Gareth Veale, ACT Party and Poto Williams, Labour Party.