A lively meeting of candidates standing for seats at the Central Otago District and Otago Regional council tables covered a wide range of topics from climate change to affordable housing in Alexandra on Saturday.
Candidates from the Vincent ward and ORC were asked to answer "yes" or "no" if they believed in human-made global climate change.
Vincent candidates answered first.
Gill Booth, who is also standing for the Teviot Valley Community Board, said no, climate change was fraudulent and ridiculous.
Current chairman of the Vincent Community Board Jayden Cromb said it was an easy yes — "look at the science".
Incumbent councillors Tracy Paterson and Ian Cooney said yes, while first-time candidates Dave McKenzie and Kaz McIntyre said maybe.
Cam Withington, who was standing for a seat 20 years after his last council term, said in high-density cities climate could be changed in the immediate surroundings but volcanos should be taxed for their part in global warming.
First time candidate Nathan McLean said yes.
Otago regional candidates Michael Laws, Gary Kelliher, Neil Gillespie, Nicky Rhodes, Matt Hollyer and Amie Pont then responded.
Mr Laws said he did agree but it was irrelevant because the greatest polluters were China, Russia, India and the United States.
"We contribute very little ... I refuse to disadvantage New Zealanders because other countries are not meeting their responsibilities."
Gary Kelliher said "in Mumbai yes, in New Zealand, no", while former CODC deputy mayor Neil Gillespie replied yes "because of what Michael [Laws] said" and Nicky Rhodes, who is running with Mr Laws and Mr Kelliher in a syndicate, also said yes "but with respect to New Zealand, no".
Matt Hollyer was a succinct yes while Amie Pont said "I think it’s all got a bit ludicrous".
Asked if they supported the proposed gold mine at Bendigo, ORC candidates were cautious.
Mr Gillespie quickly responded he could not express an opinion as he might be on the panel that heard the decision.
Mr Kelliher said he cautiously supported it, while Mr Hollyer said ORC’s role would be to ensure compliance was adhered to if the mine went ahead.
Ms Pont said she was all for growth but every promise and plan would have to be upheld.
Vincent ward councillors were asked what nice-to-haves would they say no to in the future.
Mrs Paterson said the council had asked the community what they wanted, and had looked at services to cut.
"The outdoor pool in Alexandra ... the community came out and said ‘we don’t want to lose it because that’s part of what makes this place great’."
"So, I’m not going to stand here and make a promise to anybody to reduce rates ... I am actually not able to do that without really affecting people’s enjoyment of what they do every day."
Mr Cooney said everyone wanted rates reduced but did not want services to be cut.
