City of Christians Breaks Bread with Candidates

In Porirua, the people care deeply about two things—God and enough food to nourish His people.

While God is plentiful in the city where one in two people identify as being Christian (the national average is one in three), food is not.

So, it was no surprise to see a packed-out room at Porirua Corps on Monday 12 October as residents came to see what kai each candidate will have to offer if they win the Kenepuru or Te Tai Hauāuru seat at the November 7 general election.

There was a lot of public engagement from the room, as candidates outlined a range of approaches to balancing economic priorities with the wellbeing of individuals and communities. With the cost of living top of mind for many, the discussion focused on policies intended to strengthen community wellbeing and support people facing economic challenges.

‘There’s just not enough food to go around. But we have hope and faith to keep soldiering on,’ said Major Nicki Dutton from Porirua Corps.

The candidates who attended were:

• Barbara Edmonds, Labour Party
• Te Pūoho Katene, Labour Party, Te Tai Hauāuru
• Lan Pham, Green Party
• Matthew Evetts, National Party
• Jon Blackshaw, New Zealand First Party
• Robert Mason, Opportunity Party
• Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Te Pāti Māori, Te Tai Hauāuru (sent her answers in via email)