The National Party's candidate for Christchurch East was absent from a final public debate in New Brighton on Wednesday night before Saturday's by-election.
Matthew Doocey did not join the six other candidates who debated in front of about 50 people in an attempt to garner some last-minute votes before polls close.
Debate adjudicator, Reverend Mike Coleman, said Mr Doocey had excused himself because of family commitments but also because he was not given enough notice.
Mr Coleman told the audience Mr Doocey was given notice of the debate a few weeks ago, as were the other candidates.
But the electorate's residents were not interested in who turned up and who didn't.
They overwhelmingly told the candidates they want their homes repaired and their services returned.