Kerrin Leoni to Address Campaign Blunder and Release Fiscal Policy Plan

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Auckland mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni has promised to release her fiscal policy plan this week, following a campaign blunder that left voters and media confused over the weekend.

On Friday, Leoni’s campaign team announced that she would unveil her fiscal policy plan at the Avondale Markets on Sunday. However, when the day arrived, Leoni was not present at the West Auckland market, and the event was not publicly advertised. The absence of any official announcement or media coverage left the event unattended and unnoticed.

When contacted by RNZ for comment, Leoni admitted that the oversight was due to a miscommunication. She explained that the event was not officially announced as such, and her team had competing priorities over the weekend, including setting up promotional hoardings. Leoni also mentioned experiencing a "difficult situation" with one of the hoardings, though she did not elaborate further.

She noted that the announcement was only included in a press release sent to media outlets and that there was no one present at the event. "I will personally handle inviting reporters to future policy announcements," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to transparency in her campaign.

Leoni reiterated her promise to release her fiscal policy plan in the next few days at an event for media. As a qualified economist with a master's degree in economics and international politics, she stressed that fiscal policy is central to her campaign. She also used the opportunity to criticize the current mayor, Wayne Brown, for not committing to any candidate debates.

"Having policies on a website versus debating them in public are two different things," Leoni said. She called on the mayor to engage in public debates to discuss her policies, arguing that such engagement is essential for voters to understand the full scope of her proposals.

This incident has raised questions about the organization of Leoni’s campaign, particularly as the mayoral election approaches. While the candidate has taken responsibility for the miscommunication, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and strategic planning in political campaigns.

As Leoni moves forward, her ability to deliver on her promises and maintain a strong media presence will be crucial in the coming weeks. With a clear focus on fiscal policy and a call for public debate, she aims to differentiate herself from her opponents and secure the support of Auckland voters.