The Hui has kicked off the 2023 election season by hosting the first tautohetohe (debate) as political parties hit the campaign trail.
The Hui political panel sat down with host Julian Wilcox to dissect the debate between Labour's Toni Boynton and Te Pāti Māori's Rawiri Waititi.
Boynton and Waititi are vying for the Māori electorate seat of Waiariki, which includes the cities of Tauranga, Whakatāne, Rotorua and Taupō.
Kaiurungi matua (producer) Kereama Wright at Aukaha News, business professor Ella Henry from AUT, and political commentator Shane Te Pou joined Wilcox to discuss the performances by the two candidates.
Henry told The Hui the debate had it all - wit, humour, and humility.
"Again I'm reminded of the grace that Māori bring to the parliamentary system in this country, and they certainly were examples of that."
Meanwhile, Te Pou said the debate had purpose, and was about policy and aspiration.
"Two excellent candidates. I do want to say, for her first outing, in front of national media, Toni did a very good job."
And Wright thought it was a pleasurable listen.
"The term that comes to mind is mana-enhancing. It was beautiful to see them complimenting each other."
But did anyone from the panel think there was a winner? Watch the video above to find out.
