In a vital part of New Zealand’s first mass participation process for electing a political party leader, the three contenders for the Labour leadership David Cunliffe, Grant Robertson and Shane Jones – are speaking at a Husting Meeting on Saturday 31 August at the Horowhenua Events Centre, A&P Showgrounds, Levin, starting at 1pm.
The Electoral College for the Labour Leader was triggered with the resignation of David Shearer on August 22nd, and comprises three sections Party members (all of whom have a vote, worth 40% of the College), Caucus members (all of whom have a vote, worth 40% of the College) and affiliated unions (with varying voting systems, worth 20% of the College).
The twelve Husting Meetings over an 11-day period are a chance for voters from all three sections of the Party to meet and question the candidates, and to hear them speak. The Levin gathering will be the first of the series of Hustings Meetings.
“We anticipate that there will be a big turnout to the Levin meeting by party and union members, keen to hear from the three contenders'” said Bruce Taylor, spokesperson for the Ōtaki Labour Electorate Committee. “Members are really excited and looking forward to this historic first Hustings Meeting”, he said.
The Moderators for the Levin meeting will be Meka Whaitiri MP and Rob McCann.
Media can be present during the open session, which will feature speeches from the candidates. The meeting is expected to last two hours. People who are members of the NZLP and affiliated unions are invited to attend, and need to bring evidence of their membership. Members of the public can join the Labour Party at the meeting and attend.
