28 November, 2003

Nandor and Jim to debate in Dunne's home patch

Green MP Nandor Tanczos said he was looking forward to joining Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton in debating the issue of cannabis law reform in Peter Dunne's home electorate next week.

Nandor will debate Jim Anderton at the Johnsonville Community Hall, 3 Frankmoore Ave Johnsonville, this Wednesday, December 3 at 7.30pm. Helene Ritchie, Wellington City Councillor will chair the debate.

It will be the third debate in a series that has seen Nandor and Mr Anderton debate in Wigram, Christchurch and Nandor and Progressive Deputy Matt Robson debate last night in Otahuhu, South Auckland in front of about 80 people.

"It was a good turnout of people to view a lively and reasoned debate," said Nandor. "There was a lot of interest in what was being discussed and ways to approach reform of New Zealand's cannabis laws.

"While many people came with fixed attitudes, with only one person 'fessing up to have changed his opinion on cannabis law reform, it was important that people got the chance to hear the debate and be better informed about the issues.

"I'd like to give special thanks to Bali Haque, the former president of the Secondary Principals Association, who moderated the debate."

Attention is now shifting towards next Wednesday's debate in the heart of Peter Dunne territory.

"This is the debate that Peter Dunne didn't want his electorate to hear," said Nandor. "After refusing to debate with me himself, Mr Dunne has tried to stop Jim Anderton from debating with me either.

"Clearly he's embarrassed about his own small mindedness and lack of substantive argument. His absence on Wednesday night will allow the people of Ohariu Belmont to see this for themselves.

"However, the invitation will remain open for Mr Dunne to join us. We will leave an empty chair for him in case he changes his mind."

Should Cannabis be Decriminalised?
Green MP Nandor Tanczos debates Progressive Leader Jim Anderton
7.30pm, Wednesday December 3
Johnsonville Community Hall
3 Frankmoore Ave, Johnsonville

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