11 August 2022
Invercargill Mayoral and Council Candidates to front at The Great Debate
The Southland Business Chamber is challenging Invercargill Mayoral and Council candidates to show they are up to the task of steering the city’s fortunes for the next three years.
The Chamber and the Invercargill City Council are hosting The Great Debate on September 14 at Ascot Park Hotel to encourage people to make informed decisions when voting in October’s Local Body Elections. The Mayoral debate will be MC’d by prominent Broadcaster Scotty Stevenson.
Southland Business Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey said Chamber members wanted to challenge candidates to think more about diversification of the Southland economy post-Tiwai and how the council could enable investment to grow the economy.
“It’s crucial our city leaders think strategically and consider the big picture by showing they are aware of the factors that really drive the city and the region.”
Southland had the lowest unemployment rate in New Zealand, but a lack of staff was the biggest issue for employers, so it would be great to hear candidates’ ideas on how best to promote the city as a positive destination to move to, Carey said.
The Invercargill brand and how it was being used and promoted was another area of interest for members, Carey said.
“Who is in charge of marketing our city and attracting people here?”
Strong branding and marketing would help drive population growth, which would in turn would increase population-based funding and services to the city, which would benefit the whole region, she said.
“We want Invercargill to be the best little city in New Zealand.”
A big part of driving the city forward was through strong connections to Central Government, and candidates’ understanding of these dynamics, and how they would use these connections to advocate for the city and the region, were important factors, she said.
There had been too many negative headlines about Council infighting during the past three years, and voters would be interested in how Mayoral candidates proposed to unifiy those sitting around the Council table, she said.
Candidates’ views on adaptation to climate change would also be on the agenda, Carey said.
People will be split into small groups and make their way around the Invercargill City Council candidates in a ‘speed-dating’ style event from 5.30pm-6.30pm. Stevenson will then put the Invercargill Mayoral Candidates through their paces as they debate the issues facing the city from 7pm-8pm. Entry is free and everyone is welcome, but registration is essential. People can register for both or just attend the debate. Spaces are limited, register on the Chamber website or click the link here