Anderton clear leader in Christchurch
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- Date published:
12:14 pm, June 15th, 2010 - 28 comments
Categories: local body elections, polls -
Tags: bob parker, jim anderton
I was quite surprised by Jim Anderton’s decision to stand for mayor of Christchurch. And I had thought that his decision not to step down from Parliament until the next election was a mistake that would haunt him in the mayoral campaign. But it looks like I got it wrong. A UMR poll shows that Anderton is preferred over Tory incumbent Bob Parker by a two to one margin.
In a multi-candidate race, 46% of those polled would vote for Anderton vs 21% for Parker, while in a head to head contest Anderton would get 61% of the vote to Parker’s 30%. It’s a small poll, 350, (presumably tacked on to UMR’s normal nationwide polling) but that just means a slightly larger than normal margin of error, 5.2%. Anderton’s lead is far beyond that margin of error.
I’m not really up with the issues in the race but I imagine that Parker’s support for the abolition of the elected Ecan council has done him no favours.
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The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...2 weeks ago
- Waititi urges Rotorua Lakes Council to immediately stop works at Lake Rotokākahi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Member of Parliament for Waiariki, which includes Rotorua, has written to Rotorua Lakes Councillors requesting they immediately stop sewerage piping works at Lake Rotokākahi in Rotorua. “Mana whenua have been urging Rotorua Lakes Council to stop works and look at alternative plans to protect the ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Patient care at risk from redundancies
Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty
The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Police are off the beat under National
Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Climate denial is an insult to Pacific leaders
Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must end solitary confinement
The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis
The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs. ...2 weeks ago
- Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision
Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
The Court of Appeal decision that Uber drivers are entitled to employee rights such as minimum wage, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining is welcome news for the drivers involved and their unions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls on Govt to divest from illegal settlements
The Labour Party is calling on the Government to tell the two major wealth funds, the NZ Super Fund and ACC, to withdraw investments from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt backtrack on fast-track still not enough
Labour welcomes news that the National Government is backing down on its reckless proposal to give Ministers final sign-off on significant projects, but it’s still not enough. ...2 weeks ago
- Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill
Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...2 hours ago - Government unlocking potential of AI
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...3 hours ago
- Government releases Wairoa flood review findings
The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...3 hours ago
- Promoting faster payment times for government
The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...3 hours ago
- Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech
E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward. Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...21 hours ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...24 hours ago
- Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...1 day ago
- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...1 day ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...1 day ago
- First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight
Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...1 day ago
- Have your say on suicide prevention
Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...1 day ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...2 days ago
- Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...2 days ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...2 days ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...5 days ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...5 days ago
- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...5 days ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...6 days ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...6 days ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...6 days ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...6 days ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...6 days ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...6 days ago
- Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul
On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...7 days ago
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...7 days ago
- International tourism continuing to bounce back
Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...7 days ago
- Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency
The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “That is ...1 week ago
- Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape
The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...1 week ago
- Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...1 week ago
- Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review
Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...1 week ago
- Government backs women in horticulture
“The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...1 week ago
- Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout
The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...1 week ago
- Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants. “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...1 week ago
- New priorities to protect future of conservation
Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...1 week ago
- Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti
A new 110km/h speed limit for the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) has been approved to reduce travel times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Wellington, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. ...1 week ago
- IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say. “The Government is serious about enabling the tourism sector ...1 week ago
- Delivering priority connections for the West Coast
A record $255 million for transport investment on the West Coast through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s road and rail links to keep people connected and support the region’s economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government is committed to making sure that every ...1 week ago
- Road and rail reliability a focus for Wellington
A record $3.3 billion of transport investment in Greater Wellington through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will increase productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. We're focused on delivering transport projects ...1 week ago
- Government to launch AI chatbot called Gov-GPT
Judith Collins says it will help people find information about government agencies. ...1 hour ago - Commerce Minister plays down rift between National, ACT over supermarkets
It comes as the coalition partners dig in on their opposing positions on whether or not to ramp-up regulation. ...1 hour ago
- New Caledonia crisis: Unrest-hit Air Calédonie in search of new markets
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk New Caledonia’s domestic carrier Air Calédonie is set to launch a biweekly international connection to neighbouring Vanuatu. The new link is set to start operating from October 3 with two return flights, one on Mondays and the other on Thursdays. The ...2 hours ago - How can everyone be part of the AI revolution?
AI technology is an increasingly common part of many people’s working lives – but not everyone has the opportunity to benefit equally. Dr Jade Brooks tells Alice Webb Liddall about her research into how workplaces can bridge the digital divide. The vision “that all of us have what we need ...2 hours ago - Is it possible to keep your voice and your soul while writing for an international market?
Sascha Stronach (Kāi Tahu), author of The Dawnhounds and The Sunforge, on fighting US editors on matters of New Zealand slang. I had two knockdown dragout fights with my US publisher: they wanted to call me “a bold and important voice in Māori fiction”; they thought “moggy” sounded like ...2 hours ago
- Fuel shortages and bare pharmacies: we need to talk about what a possible war with China could look ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William A. Stoltz, Lecturer and expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University Jenari/Shutterstock The intensifying great power competition between the People’s Republic of China and the United States has meant the possibility of future war in the Indo-Pacific region has ...4 hours ago
- Meningococcal: what to know about this potentially deadly disease affecting Australian children
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Williams, Paediatrician & Infectious Diseases Physician; Senior Lecturer & NHMRC Fellow, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock Three children in far north Queensland have recently become unwell with meningococcal disease, a life-threatening infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. ...4 hours ago
- The commercial broadcasters’ crisis isn’t new, but can no longer be ignored. What’s next for T...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Lotz, Professor of Media Studies, Queensland University of Technology Stock-Asso/Shutterstock This is the third piece in a series on the Future of Australian media. You can read the first piece in the series here and the second piece here. ...4 hours ago
- One person working on short-term fixes to NZ’s disaster coordination system
The National Emergency Management Agency has just one person dedicated to working on a short-term fix of the disaster coordination system that let people down during Cyclone Gabrielle. ...4 hours ago
- Should we follow Australia’s efforts to ban children from social media?
Australia is proposing legislation to impose a minimum age and Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he's open to the idea. ...4 hours ago
- Crystals hold a secret history of volcanoes – and clues about future eruptions
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Teresa Ubide, ARC Future Fellow and Associate Professor in Igneous Petrology/Volcanology, The University of Queensland An eruption at Mt Stromboli in Italy. J Caulfield Imagine you had a crystal ball that revealed when a volcano would next erupt. For the hundreds of ...4 hours ago
- The future of the Regent Theatre: why we must preserve not only architecture, but also public use of...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Tregear, Principal Fellow and Professor of Music, The University of Melbourne Regent Theatre, 1954. State Library Victoria The current Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece, has said that if re-elected he would sell the City of Melbourne’s majority stake in ...4 hours ago
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- ACC needs to cover $1 billion revenue hole
ACC has signalled levies will need to take a significant jump to cover increasing costs. ...4 hours ago
- Cost of living: Are New Zealand households better off now than in 1994?
Here's how modern households compare to those of 30 years ago, and why you might have been better off in 1994. ...5 hours ago
- The human face of the electricity crisis
The closure of two mills near Ohakune will mean the loss of 230 jobs, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in your inbox every weekday morning, sign up here. ...6 hours ago
- Winstone Pulp closures: ‘It’s just a really bad day for those communities’ –...
National's local MP for the Ruapehu District says she is "absolutely gutted" for workers and families affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International's two mills in the region. ...6 hours ago
- Visa fees and levies don’t stack up – immigration adviser
Overseas tourists and students will be hit with a 'hidden tax' when they apply for visas and they risk being misled about the cost, according to an immigration adviser. ...6 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill to go through six-month select committee process
That will take the ACT-led debate past Rātana celebrations and Waitangi Day next year - when the government will likely be challenged again on the issue. ...7 hours ago
- What is supplier diversity, why does it matter and why should I care?
It’s playing a key role in the growth of indigenous and minority businesses around the world. In Aotearoa, the journey is just beginning. Most New Zealanders are likely unfamiliar with the term “supplier diversity”. However, in the business world, ensuring a diverse supply chain is quickly becoming essential – and ...8 hours ago
- Sending money overseas can be expensive. Who does it hurt the most?
There are lots of services promising to make international money transfer more affordable, without adding on the fees that banks charge. But people in New Zealand regularly sending money to Pacific countries have limited options. Every day, people with New Zealand bank accounts transfer millions of dollars to other countries. ...8 hours ago
- Kay and Karl, the old team
My Catullus poems, which have come and gone at intervals over the past half century, have never been translations from the Latin, though some have borrowed; and never ‘confessional poems’, though how close to ‘truth’ and how far from it has always been unclear. How ‘real’ was my Clodia, who ...8 hours ago - Like the Treaty itself, Treaty principles bill is drafted to mislead
Opinion: Given Act’s Treaty Principles Bill is not going to proceed, inviting submissions would be a mistake The post Like the Treaty itself, Treaty principles bill is drafted to mislead appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Looking up, from a deeper hole
Opinion: Over the past few weeks we’ve watched most of the July economic news roll in.The good news is that, in nearly all cases, July readings improved from frankly terrible June results. The less good news is that, despite this, most of these indicators remain at subpar levels indicative of ...8 hours ago
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- Luxon’s India hustle hits a hurdle
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- Bees buzzing for worlds after late start to sailing
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- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 11 September
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 11 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...8 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 11 September
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- Student pressure forces Victoria University Foundation to divest from Israeli bonds
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Ya correct, ecan theft, buying developer Henderson’s dud properties, and general feeling of lack of substance methinks.
Worth noting that Anderton moved after the ecan theft, wisely noting that Parker would suffer the fate that should be suffered also by the nats over that issue.
So back to the Peoples Republic of Christchurch we go… not really my own cup of tea, but neverthless if it helps to keep the barbarian farmers from the watergate so be it. 2c
“(presumably tacked on to UMR’s normal nationwide polling)”
It was done on the internet, apparently, so probably not. Someone needs to do a real poll that people (Parker) can’t just brush off as being flawed.
Also Anderton isn’t stepping down from Wigram because he believes he can do both jobs, and he doesn’t want to waste taxpayer money on a by-election in Wigram. Fair enough. It’s not like being the sole member of a ‘party’ in opposition really gives him a lot of responsibilities.
There was a discussion between Parker and Anderton on Nine to noon today. I think the Parker/Nact machine will rush out to discredit Anderton, but if I lived in Canterbury I would vote for Anderton if for no other reason that Parker was the prime mover in consultation with Nact, to write to Nact seeking abolition of ECan – without consultation with Council. Ratbag!
There are a number of things that bother me about this but first let me state that I am no fan of parker, calling him a Tory is a bit of a stretch too.
Anderton should resign and fund his campaign himself. Hanging on in parliament leaves him open to justifed accusations of double/ triple/ quadruple dipping personally, but more importantly will leave him open to accusations that he will use parliamentary allowances/ services and his leaders budget to fund aspects of his campaign.
We need more transparency in all these funding lines across the board and Anderton will be a very high profile target for those of us that are determined to see sunlight shine on expenses and allowances. Personally it will be a bitter sweet battle because I loathe parker and am very disappointed that there does not seem to be anybody of quality looking to put their hand up for the christchurch mayoralty.
UMR internet polls are about as usefull as NZH and Stuff online polls.
It is cheaper for Jim Anderton to remain in parliament drawing his salary than it is for him to resign and force a by-election.
Not a good reason not to do it though. Should Anderton win the mayoralty I would imagine that the people of Christchurch would deserve a full-time mayor and the people of Wigram would deserve a full-time MP. I’d be annoyed if my mayor or MP told me their positions only required half their time. Wouldn’t you?
As Anderton is likely to be my mayor and MP, no, I won’t mind.
If he were being MP and mayor for two different areas of the country, then yes.
If anything, being a mayor of CHCH means he is going to be in CHCH much more than he is now, so those who want access to their local MP will probably have an easier time of it since he won’t be in Wellington as much.
Fair enough. How do you think those Christchurcians who don’t live in Wigram will feel?
I guess that depends who they vote for, doesn’t it?
Anyone who votes for Anderton will know that he is going to be doing both jobs, and is therefore obviously happy with that. Anyone that doesn’t vote for Anderton doesn’t want him to be mayor anyway, so their specific opinion on him being both at the same time doesn’t really change anything.
Sounds like you’re on to a real money saver. If being an MP is only a part-time job, let’s just dissolve parliament and let the mayors run the country.
Jim Anderton has made it quite clear that he will remain in Parliament only to save the Taxpayer a million or so dollars. And it will only be for a year. Why spend a million dollars ,The Parliamentary result will be the same. Jim Anderton over the years has shown he is quite able to manage a big work load.
What does concern me is that the Tory Dirty Trick Brigade will start to centre it’s attention on Jim. Let us on the left be ready to counter this insidious group. Do not let Jim Anderton suffer the insults that these people will now heap upon his. \I bet this lot plus the creepy Wishart are at this moment scouring through the records to find some cheap slag.
“Why spend a million dollars”
Because the taxpayers of Christchurch and the ratepayers of Christchurch deserve a full-time representative in both arenas.
If only a year is ok, why not two, or three? Surely democracy is worth spending a few bucks?
I think it’s up to the people to decide what they want sean. Maybe you feel they deserve better than what they choose, and I’m sure they’ll give your opinion all the merit it deserves. At the end of the day he’s being upfront about what he’s doing, and if his electorate supporters are really upset, then I’m sure that that will pretty much doom his chances.
But hey, if you want to lobby an MP to bring in a private members bill banning this sort of thing, go for it.
Far enough Pascal. I guess I can’t really play my harp for democracy then disrespect whatever choice the people of Christchurch will make. They will get what they choose.
It won’t be a year. More like six months as Anderton will probably step aside at the start of the three month period before the July general election.
Go Jimmy, give the Tories a blood nose.
Any idea of when the polling was done ? Was it before the credit card crap came to light ?
Yes. It was in the week(s) immediately following Anderton’s announcement of his intention to run, which was about a month ago.
captcha: announce
I wonder how different voter sentiment is now then. The 22% undecided might now not be undecided.
Parker has done his chips with liberal voters and older working class Cantabrians. He still has a strong support base among the Merivale/Fendalton crowd who like to be photographed with him at society do’s.
My source? Anecote, pure anecdote but Chch IS the place where the first question one is often asked is “what school did you go to?” It’s a town divided strongly on class lines and if Jim can mobilise some of the younger working class he’ll be quids in.
Wonder how he will deal with another credit card to manage as he has enough trouble working out if he should use his own or the governments one currently.
ecan decision will hurt parker.does the old guard of 2021 support anderton?
The whole guard of 2021 supports Jim; we endorsed him.
Darel Hall
Chair 2021 Selection Panel
Bob is a smarmy man who has not won my allegiance at all. Particularly disturbing is what I found on page 59 of The People’s Republic of Christchurch’s Annual Plan – the Council strives for mediocrity by only expecting 40% of residents to understand how the Council makes decisions and only 48% of these residents to be satisfied that the Council is acting in the best interests of the city.
Seriously!!! UNDER HALF of the residents need to understand and be satisfied with decision making for the Council to hit its “KPI’s” for that area. That’s appalling!
Look if Christchurch elects Anderton, you might as well write off the South Island. They’d be stupid enough to elect Chavez or Castro. Andertons support is for the health unions, the parasitic do gooders, the army of social workers and psychiatric nurses and care givers who are never qualified, intelligent or good looking enough to have any understanding or empathy. If only we could get rid of the Bagshaws and all Dysons and Barnetts inheritence.
Parker made a few mistakes. There’s no justification for the proposed $148 million new bus terminus or the related real estate purchases. Trams might be useful on close inter city routes to Princess Margaret, Papanui, University and Church cnr but the proposed light rail to the airport or rangiora is unrealistic.
SOL square and some of the cocktail bars and art galleries in precint are useful. Vote Bob. And put every policeman, social worker, prosecutor and law lecturer responsible for the Ellis and Truscott affairs in jail. And never let Barnett back in the country.
I dont understand why some are currently on Anderson’s side so strongly. I think Parkers doing a positive things to keep chch competitive with the other two bigger cities. Ak is now copying chch and trying to get trams in (I don’t blame them), and giving the central city a facelift may put chch ahead of wgtn which is the only city with a descent heart of town. Also, I heard Anderton was against the Ellerslie Flower Show? This seems a bit crazy from a marketing perspective. Are we really going for a new mayor just so we can get a bit more transperency? I would rather have behind the doors intelligence.
[lprent: I presume you’re talking about Jim Anderton?
BTW: I saw the dup, and removed one – hope this is the one you wanted retained? ]
I just hope the left are prepared for the autocratic style Anderton will instinctively give to the mayoralty. They may well prefer Parker being out of the picture but are they actually prepared for Anderton’s style?
Yes good point gc. I found his style autocratic and he isn’t a people person – more a case of I love mankind, it’s people that are irritating.