It is the final meet the candidates meeting to be held in the Hastings before this Saturday’s mayoral by-election.

Mrs Pinson has cited ‘aggressive’ and ‘disgusting’ behaviour at last year’s RAN meeting prior to the mayoral election that saw Peter Besseling elected to the role, as the reason. Mr Besseling resigned eight months later prompting the July 29 vote.

Mrs Pinson, who admits she was late arriving at the 2016 RAN meet the candidates meeting moderated by John Tingle, was initially denied entry to the event. She then claims being abused, sworn at and spat on when inside, and did not feel safe.

“John Tingle apologised to me after this meeting and I accepted his apology, but it was disgraceful,” Mrs Pinson said.

“I thought to myself this is not democracy, this is political fanaticism. It was an aggressive meeting and while I have been given assurances (from RAN president Hilton King) it will be moderated, he can’t control the behaviour of other people.”

Mrs Pinson has attended three meet the candidates meetings across the region held since the mayoral by-election was announced.

“People are truly interested in their community and they are all intelligent people who have asked intelligent questions,” she added.

“It is possibly to my detriment (not to attend) but at the end of the day I need to honour my values.

“I’m not openly attacking RAN as an organisation, I just don’t want to partake in political aggression.”

RAN president Hilton King said as an apolitical organisation representing local residents on matters of concern, it is unfortunate Mrs Pinson will not make herself available for this final meeting.

“We would very much like to have a positive relationship with her if she is elected as mayor,” Mr King said.

“It will leave a void. There are people who will change their mind about who they vote for after hearing from all of our candidates.”