A return to capital punishment is "certainly not" Alliance...

A return to capital punishment is "certainly not" Alliance [a coalition of the New Labour Party, Democratic Party, New Zealand Liberal Party, and Mana Motuhake] policy, despite it being advocated by West Coast-Tasman election candidate Dick Hitchens, a party spokeswoman said.
Hitchens, of Motueka, advocated hanging for serious criminals on two occasions during a candidates' meeting hosted by Motueka Grey Power [pensioners] on July 18.
"Mr Hitchens must have been expressing his personal views. It must be something he feels strongly about," the Alliance spokeswoman said.
Hitchens, who filled in most of his opening address by getting the audience to sing God Defend New Zealand, said hanging was supported in "that little black book" - apparently referring to the Bible.
His colourful responses to questions from the floor and anecdotes about the past, struck a chord with the Grey Power members, most of whom knew him personally.