Mayoral candidates: some speak, some sing
Hamilton city mayoral candidates had their chance to sway voters at Wintec’s Atrium last night, and while some took the conventional approach, one burst into song.
Hamilton election candidates had their chance to sway voters at the mayoral debate in Wintec’s Atrium last night, and while some took the conventional approach, one burst into song.
An article from the Waikato Times became a hot discussion topic during the debate.
The story was about a confidential decision the council made to reject the donation of a $700,000 piece of artwork created by Michael Parekowhai.
Seven mayoral candidates attended the debate, three of whom are on the current council: Dave Macpherson, Ewan Wilson, and incumbent Mayor Julie Hardaker.
Waikato Times editor Jonathan MacKenzie hosted the event and asked Macpherson, Wilson and Hardaker if they voted for or against the piece of art.
Macpherson said he voted for the sculpture, to the applause of the audience.
In contrast, Wilson admitted he voted against it with an audience member shouting the word “disgraceful”.
Wilson said he made his decision for a number of reasons.
“Scale, location, and the fact that we’d asked for more information.”
He said there is a second reading as part of the decision making process so it will be debated again in two weeks.
“I do not apologise for saying I want more time, I do not apologise for saying I want to take the opportunity to have another look at the location.”
Wilson had a message for those who say the city should take it just because it is a gift.
“The point is we’ve got to look after it, we’ve got to obviously maintain it, and we’ve got to make sure it suits the area.”
Hardaker said she voted against the sculpture on the first reading due to lack of information, but now after being informed will vote in favour of it next time.
Other mayoral candidates to attend the debate were Ian Hanley, Tony Dixon, Jack Gielan, and Arshad Chatha.
