Last updated 20:10, May 18 2018
Northcote by-election candidates Shanan Halbert for Labour and Dan Bidois, National, talk to Stuff's Laine Moger.
The Labour and National candidates vying for an Auckland electorate seat differ on just about everything, except for the need for training in Northcote to offset youth crime.
National's Dan Bidois cited his own "delinquent" past in a Facebook Live debate on Friday with Labour's Shanan Halbert ahead of the June 9 Northcote by-election.
"I was arrested … the thing that got me out of it was a butcher's apprenticeship," Bidois said.
The men agreed training was the best way to tackle crime, alongside getting more police officers on the beat and supporting community organisations.
"It starts with our young people. Around 200 people are leaving with little to no qualifications," Halbert said.
Labour's Shanan Halbert and National's Dan Bidois differ in political opinions, they are united in their desire for a healthy electorate.
"We need to work with our people, have them education, and get them back into society and contributing."
Neither party winner will make much difference to Parliament, political expert Duncan Grant said.
So the by-election will really come down to, who is best for the Northcote community.
While National's Dan Bidois and Labour's Shanan Halbert differ in political opinions, they are united in their desire for a healthy electorate.
Both men are 35 and, as of a few weeks ago, both live in the electorate.
Now neighbours, the pair joked what would happen if they door-knocked each other's houses.
Halbert said he should be the MP because he has lived in the area for seven years and he reflects the diversity of the community. He has a plan for Northcote, with good relationships to make this plan achieveable.
Labour candidate Shanan Halbert with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Northcote's by-election campaign.
Bidois said he should be chosen because as a fighter, a passionate local (as of a matter of weeks ago), plus, he has the experience and the "nous" to put his plan for Northcote into action.
The pair differed on transport and congestion in Northcote.
Halbert said transport issues were going to take a lot more than throwing stones on the sidelines.
Dan Bidois, National candidate for Northcote, with National Party leader Simon Bridges putting up hoardings in Northcote.
"I like to get stuff done. The only way to do that is advocating for public issues, bringing on board Auckland Council and partnering with organisations to make progressive solutions," Halbert said.
Bidois said he too, wanted to get stuff done.
But by making Auckland Council accountable, and to make sure it was listening and consulting with communities.
Also, Bidois said he could use his experience in business to find a solution for congestion.
Halbert said it was about advocating for more options available to commuters, such as supporting SeaPath, SkyPath and ferries.
"We have a vision, we have a plan ... and we are getting on with it," Halbert said.
Bidois said no MP had all the tools at their disposal, but they had the ability to get everyone around the table and coordinate a plan for Northcote.
Other candidates were ACT's Stephen Berry, Democrats for Social Credit's Tricia Cheel, Green Party's Rebekah Jaung, independent Kym Koloni, Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party's Jeff Lye, and NAP's Liam Walsh.