Nelson’s volunteer and community sector will be putting the hard questions to candidates at an election forum next week.

The forum has been organised by Community Action Network (CAN) on behalf of the Nelson Community & Whanau, a group that meets monthly to network the issues facing the local volunteer and not-for-profit sector.

Rachel Boyack (Labour), Nick Smith (National) and Matt Lawrey (Green) have accepted the invitation as well as Richard Osmaston (Money Free), and a New Zealand First candidate who is soon to be announced. Former Tasman District Councillor Judene Edgar will chair the forum.

CAN co-chairperson Susan Hawthorne said there are some tough issues facing the community sector that the candidates would be asked to address.

“We’re asking them to explain their understanding of the relationship between housing and resultant health and education outcomes for children, and we want to know what they see as the government’s role in the social wellbeing of the community, given that merely having a ‘strong economy’ has failed to deliver this.”

Ms Hawthorne said other questions for the candidates covered education, the environment and the community sector itself.

“Volunteer organisations and community agencies are facing an increased load, with shrinking funding and support from central and local government, so we want to hear how they think the community sector can continue to deliver the essential social and community services that keep our society ticking over.”

The Election Forum will be the August Community & Whanau meeting and will be held at noon on Wednesday August 23, at the Trafalgar Pavilion. A complimentary lunch will be served.

ENDS

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