'Speed date' your candidate

An intimate moment with your New Plymouth District Council candidates awaits at a series of upcoming "speed-date your candidate" evenings.

The novel approach to campaigning and meeting prospective voters grew from frustration among the council candidates about living in the shade of one of the most interesting mayoralty races in years.

Modelled on the popular modern method of seeking a soulmate, the idea was the brainchild of candidates Virginia Winder and Glen Bennett.

Candidates Colleen Tuuta, Adrian Sole, Wayne Morris and Noel Bridgeman were also involved, Ms Winder said yesterday.

"Glen and I were having a chat and we thought, `we're not getting any coverage, we're going to have to do it ourselves'," she said.

"We had a meeting and invited the others to come along and it came from there."

Mr Bennett said he hoped the evening would help encourage a younger demographic to get involved in the council.

"It all seems so serious and boring sometimes," he said.

"I know it's not frivolous business but there has to be an element of fun to it and getting the community engaged.

"It's often just talking heads at the front but this is about having a dialogue and about listening to what they have to say as well."

Date stations will be set up and people given three minutes with each candidate.

When the bell rings the candidates, not the members of the public, will move to a different station.

Depending on how many people attend, candidates may spend their three minutes with more than one person.

There has already been strong interest from the council candidates wanting to be involved, Ms Winder said.

"Since we announced it I've already had 25 replies of candidates who are coming."And a few have actually been quite keen on getting a date.

"I said to my husband, `what if I meet a cute guy?'

"He said you definitely will because I'll be there."

The first speed-date your candidate evening is being held at the New Plymouth Central Baptist Church on Liardet St beginning 6.30pm on Tuesday.

Another is planned for Tuesday, September 21 at the New Plymouth Old Boys' Surf Club in Oakura.

A third, at Bell Block, is yet to be confirmed.

- © Fairfax NZ News