National candidate Penny Simmonds and Labour candidate Dr Liz Craig returned to the stage, while second-time political candidate, this time for Vision NZ, Judith Terrill, and NZ Loyal candidate David Kowalewski were new to the arena.
Held at the Kelvin Hotel in Invercargill, the event was organised by the southern Rotary clubs and the Southland Business Chamber, and attended by about 50 people.
Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis candidate Kevin O’Connell, and Act New Zealand candidate Scott Donaldson were unable to attend.
Mrs Simmonds opened her speech stating this election was all about the economy.
She was harshly critical of the Labour government for "wasteful spending", citing several unfinished projects, and said National would get the country "back on track".
Dr Craig spoke about her work as a public health doctor, and seeing the many preventable health issues that arose in children, largely because of housing.
She spoke about the changes Labour had made during the past three years, increasing the minimum wage and putting healthy school lunches in place, and also low-cost doctors’ visits for Community Services Card holders.
Mrs Terrill largely spoke about family values and her experience as a foster mother and social worker.
She said many things happening now were not conducive to building families.
Mr Kowalewski detailed his background as a farmer and greenkeeper, and emphasised he was not a politician.
"I didn’t want to do this. For me, this is a worst-case scenario ... This is not what I want to do with my life, but I care about this country and am deeply concerned ..."
