Just vote – Auckland Council version
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8:00 am, September 18th, 2016 - 31 comments
Categories: auckland supercity, C&R, democratic participation, greens, labour, local body elections, local government, national, phil goff, supercity -
Tags: city vision
Local Government ballot papers are being delivered right now.
If we follow what happened last time not enough people will vote. Last time in Auckland the turnout was about 35%, one in three of us.
I can understand the reasons. Life is so busy and between work and family there is so much to do.
And the local government elections are so complex. There are so many positions to be filled and so many bodies to consider. Between the Mayoral race, Council and Local Board or Community Board, Health Board and in some lucky areas licensing trusts there are a lot of decisions to make.
And the brands are so confusing. Labour and the Greens are the only parties that run clearly designated candidates in some areas but in other areas there are local coalitions. In Auckland for instance progressives worked out years ago that we are better and stronger together.
But there is so much at stake. Our environment, our communities, our neighbourhoods, our city, good leadership can improve them dramatically and bad leadership can wreck them.
On the right there is usually an attempt to hide the brand and then talk about how we should keep politics out of local government. Strange really as local government is absolutely rife with the worst sort of politics you can imagine. But at least this year the pretense has dropped somewhat with Auckland Future aka National making a splash although its failure to reach an accord with the other National in drag organisation C&R will mean the right will not do as well as they may have hoped.
But if you need help with how to vote here is the simple easy way for all progressives to vote.
- For Mayor vote Phil Goff. If for any reason you wish not to then Chloe Swarbrick presents a young principled alternative and the ever present Penny Bright is still campaigning the good campaign.
- In Albany ward Wayne Walker and John Watson are both progressive but are under challenge by Auckland Future. They could represent the balance of power on the new Council.
- In Albert Eden it is really important to return the indominable Cathy Casey and getting Peter Haynes elected would be a real bonus. Vote both of them.
- In Howick the unmissable Tofik Mamedov deserves a vote as does Gyanadra Kumar. They are both standing under a Labour banner in a very National area. All strength to them.
- Manukau is easy, vote Alf Filipaina and Efeso Collins both Labour. Both should be elected.
- In Manurewa-Papakura I would suggest sticking with John Walker and Callum Penrose both independents. The third candidate Daniel Newman is ex Labour but has gone over to the dark side big time.
- In Maungakiekie vote Patrick Cummuskey – Labour.
- In North Shore stick with Chris Darby but also vote Richard Hills, a young energetic campaigner who could surprise and would be a really good addition to Council.
- In Orakei – Richard Leckinger is a Green and would get my vote if I lived there.
- Rodney I have no suggestions …
- Waitakere – yours truly is standing under a Labour banner. Penny Hulse has voted the right way on many important issues and the rest are various shades of right.
- Waitemata and Gulf – vote Mike Lee please. He is a good old fashioned lefty.
- In Whau – vote Ross Clow Labour. He is one of the more organised and thoughtful councillors.
For local boards vote Labour or Green, City Vision in the isthmus, Roskill Community Voice led by the amazing Julie Fairley in Puketapapa, Future West in Waitakere, Mike Cohen in Devonport, Kaipatiki Voice in Kaipatiki
Under no circumstances vote for anyone with Penlink in their description, especially if they are standing in Hibiscus.
And for the Health Boards vote Labour or City Vision or Sandra Coney in Waitemata.
I may have missed other progressive candidates. It would be good if others who were aware of what was happening in other areas could submit comments or posts.
Disclaimer: I am a member of Future West and the Labour candidate for the Waitakere Ward of Council.
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The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Winston Peters must apologise
The Deputy Prime Minister should apologise to the public servant he named and blamed for something they did not do, and for misusing the rules of Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...12 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...12 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...13 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...13 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...14 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...15 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...16 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...16 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...17 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...19 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...21 hours ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...1 day ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...2 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...2 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...3 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...4 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...5 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...7 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...7 days ago
- Proposals to modernise conservation released
Toitū te taiao – Our environment endures The Government is consulting on proposals to modernise New Zealand’s conservation management system, aiming to protect relevant natural areas while supporting sustainable growth in tourism and regional economies, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “Today, the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai is ...7 days ago
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...5 hours ago - NEW POLL: Kiwis Overwhelmingly Support MPs’ Expenses Transparency Law Change
62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...7 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
The political week has been packed with worthy distractions, but all week Parliament has focused on passing new laws. Here are the highlights. ...8 hours ago - The biggest difference between Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and past hīkoi: More support from non-Māori
Analysis - The diversity of voices during the hīkoi was noticeable - from tangata moana to young immigrants to elderly Pākehā from the South Island. ...8 hours ago
- The House: Samoan citizenship restoration – ‘It means we belong to this land’
When the bill to restore NZ citizenship to some Samoans passed this week, Parliament's galleries were full to the brim with members of the community. ...9 hours ago
- More Delays In Action On Use Of Puberty Blockers With Children
Women’s Rights Party Co-leader Jill Ovens says the Ministry has put New Zealand children at risk by continuing to allow “off-label” prescribing of puberty blockers at far higher rates than other similar countries. ...10 hours ago
- Police Minister adamant he wasn’t aware of gang members training at gun clubs
That is despite two papers from police that raised the matter with him. ...10 hours ago
- Shorten declares himself ‘a proud moderate’, saying Australians ‘in the middle’ shouldn’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...11 hours ago
- New ‘best practice’ principles for superannuation products are coming. We asked a panel of exper...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Garrow, Editorial Web Developer Studio Romantic/Shutterstock We all know how important it is to save enough money for retirement – but what about spending it wisely when we get there? Even for those who have built up a suitable ...11 hours ago
- Government accused of betraying Kiwis’ trust over lack of consultation on live exports
The government has always vowed to reinstate live exports by sea, which was banned by the previous Labour government. ...11 hours ago
- 7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Freeman, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Bond University ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock Sweating is our body’s way of cooling down, a bit like an internal air conditioner. When our core temperature rises (because it’s hot outside, or you’re exercising), sweat glands all ...12 hours ago
- Phenergan for under 6s is now banned due to hallucination fears. Here’s what to use instead
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University Australia’s drug regulator has issued a safety warning over the medicine Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine drug promethazine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration said the over-the-counter products should not be given to children ...12 hours ago
- A new stage adaptation of Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs is a delightful homage to theatrical storytelli...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Campbell, Lecturer, Performing Arts, UniSA Creative, University of South Australia Matt Byrne/STCSA Jack Maggs is a delight and a homage to theatrical storytelling in Australia. Based on Peter Carey’s bestselling novel, Jack Maggs follows the ex-convict as he lands ...12 hours ago
- The government has introduced laws for its social media ban. But key details are still missing
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Angus, Professor of Digital Communication, Director of QUT Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology Ron Lach/Pexels The federal government today introduced into parliament legislation for its social media ban for people under 16 years. Communications Minister Michelle ...12 hours ago
- Archives NZ, National Library to cut 27 roles
The Department of Internal Affairs wants to bring the two organisations under the joint leadership of the Chief Archivist and National Librarian. ...12 hours ago
- Gang patch ban: Members warn of potential for violence to ‘erupt’ as new laws enforced
"I can't see this lasting unless they have a budget to lock fullas up in jail which I think is absolutely stupid, really it's ludicrous," Ngavii Pekapo, who set up a Mongrel Mob chapter 54 years ago, says. ...12 hours ago
- ACT leader David Seymour raises doubts about Waikato medical school
Government documents show ACT leader David Seymour told the government he was "dissatisfied" with a cost-benefit analysis. ...12 hours ago
- National’s Erica Stanford allegedly calls Labour’s Jan Tinetti a ‘stupid bitchR...
The Education Minister has apologised in Parliament for her remark. ...12 hours ago
- Labour backs new Police Commissioner – but warns against routine arming
The alternative to policing by consent would be a police state, which New Zealanders don't want, the party says. ...14 hours ago
- Youth on boot camp pilot re-offended five weeks after release
Children's Minister Karen Chhour said while it was disappointing, it would naïve to think none of the participants would lapse. ...14 hours ago
- In photos: People of the hīkoi, and why they marched
Hikoi mō Te Tiriti has come to an end, going down in history as the largest march to Parliament in Aotearoa. ...15 hours ago
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The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution — for the fourth time — in Israel’s war on Gaza, while Hezbollah demands a complete ceasefire and “protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty” in any deal with Israel. Amid the death and devastation, Joe Hendren reflects on his time in ...16 hours ago
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A family member’s method of choosing is to immediately cross off any connected with national political parties. She doesn’t believe that national politics should be connected to local councils. Although, what’s happened to Auckland over the last few years shows that national politics sticks its beak in anyway dictating what should be local decisions.
I think this is a mistake as more and more people are looking for consistency across both national and local policies. People also have a tendency to vote for groups rather than individuals as it’s easier to understand what a group stands for rather than many individuals.
IMO, It’s the major weakness of representative democracy and what makes it so easy to corrupt.
She’s probably right outside of the main cities.
Even Hamilton and Tauranga are still essentially provincial in their council mindset.
A warning for Hamilton…… Mr. ‘big billboard spender’ King is the Act party, though he tries to hide it.
I just hope she’s very well informed about the candidates then – because many of the people running as “Independents” up and down the country have very strong political party affiliations.
I think it’s one of the things which drives voter disengagement – so many people are pretending not to have political opinions while running for political office, there seems to be nothing to choose between, so why bother?
Well overdue that you stopped being shy about this.
Just to look at a possible Auckland Council scenario:
1. Goff
2. Maybe Walker…………….… but at least one lost there
3. Casey………………………….….but Fletcher hangs in there
4. …………………………………… Quax and that other one stay
5. Alf and Collins
6. Walker ………………………….Penrose stays
7. Cummuskey make it on the miracle of the right splitting
8. Darby and Hills
9. ………………………………….…Oh God please help me
10. ……………………………………Webster no problem
11. Presland and Hulse
12. Lee
13. Clow
That may be optimistic, but you could lose one or two and still have a much easier majority for the Mayor to deal with.
Jus the little tilt of Collins and Presland will make the actual running and leadership of the Council so much easier.
You can only imagine how much dumber Auckland Council would have been if Clow hadn’t worked very very hard for those last 80 votes that got him there last time over Raffils. Every vote you place, and every good Councillor gets in, makes a very large democratic difference.
Thanks…. Useful information and guidance 🙂
Thanks for the guidelines, Micky.
It won’t take me so long to slog through all those p.r. statements.
Come on Greg – you know full well that supporting corporate control for the 1% locally, nationally, and internationally via CCOs, PPPs and the TPPA, is NOT in the best interests of working people and the public majority 99%, so how on earth can fellow Mayoral candidate Phil Goff be described as ‘left’?
Seriously?
In my view – to suggest that is just misleading people.
FYI – here is my Auckland Mayoral campaign video.
I think you’ll enjoy my ‘dogged’ approach?
Kind regards
Her Warship 😉
Please help stop the mainstream media censorship SHARE and help send around the WORLD!
(Especially Auckland!)
‘Penny Bright for Mayor’!
You are just creating a museum to yourself.
Really?
Once upon a time you never heard the ‘c’ (corruption) word applied to Auckland (or NZ).
I have yet to have ANY mainstream media interview over my Action Plan for ‘open, transparent and democratically accountable’ local and central government and judiciary.
Although I’ve put hundreds of hours of research and ‘practice’ into developing it.
Why the mainstream media censorship?
Because I’m effectively exposing the corporate 1% and those who serve their interests.
Kind regards
Penny Bright
2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.
You lost your last three elections, you will lose this election, stand next time, lose the election, and stand the next time.
That really is a personal cult of one.
Get a job at an anti-corruption NGO somewhere if you’re that keen.
Anyone got any links to write-ups about the other people we’re voting for? I’m interested in the Portage Licensing Trust and the Waitemata District Health Board. All their blurbs in the pamphlet with the voting paper all use much the same blandly worthy weasel words I’m having trouble distinguishing any substantial differences.
Or if any regular commenters want to offer endorsements – I think I know whose endorsements I’ll find credible.
Portage has a ticket of Labour and/or City Vision candidates. Waitemata DHB I would really recommend Monina Gesmundo, Brian Lythe and Sandra Coney.
Where’s central?
You mean Queenstown-Lakes or McKenzie?
That’s the Waitemata ward.
Due to the fact that i don’t know any of our local ones i tend to use 3 methods to pick them , if they mention growth more than once their out, if they mention sustainability they are in, and if they look like they would stand out from the teachers at hogwarts they are definitely getting my vote (nothing says leftie more than looking like a wizard)
Likewise candidates who say things like “as a long-time business owner, I understand the need for stream-lining and efficiency”. Why not just wear a rosette that says “corporate shill”?
Thanks for heads-up, Mickey. However, for those of us beyond the Auckland boundaries, and that’s about two thirds of us, a similar overview would be extremely helpful. I suspect though,it would be somewhat impractical for you to the tackle on your own. But some guidance from the wider TS team would be greatly appreciated. Trying to navigate my around the candidates of Hawke’s Bay and their political leanings, is like trying navigate a maze in a blindfold. The lack of transparency is woeful.
Very happy to run other posts. Stephanie would be the ideal person to write one about Wellington.
Everyone knows that you are Greg Presland, why pretend to be a great man like Micky Savage buddy.
[I adopted the name so I could comment anonymously and not be attacked by the usual suspects. Someone guessed who I was though. In 2011 I elected to acknowledge it publicly (https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-11102010/#comment-257649). It is a name I have written under for quite a few years and it is strange but it is my online identity and I prefer to keep it. I agree that the real MS was a much greater person than me – ms]
lol Penny Bright. You’d have to be a complete idiot to vote for her.
Well I’m sure Penny will be grateful for your vote then.
oh how I laughed at your genius response to infused ! thanks fender@2.01pm ,am still chuckling.
It’s rather michevious of me but as a resident at the other end of the island I’d like to see Penny win just to witness the media shitstorm over someone who refuses to pay her rates becoming mayor.
To then see all other ratepayers also refuse to pay their rates would be comical in the extreme!
Good on you for standing.
We all moan about various councils but very few of us have the balls to stand up and be counted. You make some very good points on your website, best of luck, Greg Moore.
The Labour Party has a team contesting the Howick Local Board. Vote:
For Botany sub-division: Mark Johnson, Baljit Kaur and Gynandry Kumar.
For Pakuranga sub-division: Tania Mahoney and Allan Hawea
For Howick sub-division: Alan Papprill and Tofik Mamedov.
We’re up against another National Party in drag group which has been described by a disgruntled retiring board member as being the plaything of the local National Party MP.
Good luck Irascible. I did not want to get down to the detail of local board contests but I really hope you get people up. And if Tofik became a Councillor I would be beaming for days!
The Spinoff have endorsed some of Auckland’s candidates for Councillor:
http://thespinoff.co.nz/auckland-2016/19-09-2016/spinoff-auckland-endorsement-tool/
http://thespinoff.co.nz/voting-guides
I tend to agree with them that in the Waitemata ward, Mike Lee’s behaviour and voting pattern in the unitary plan debates makes backing him unsound.
Mike’s left wing credentials are immaculate.
I am also worried about how Spinoff and Generation Zero are saying that the Unitary Plan is the ultimate and anyone opposing it are some sort of urban sprawl opponents. I actually think it is too weak out west in that it will increase sprawl in the Waitakere foothills. They confuse opposition or concern with a desire to let Auckland expand which is not necessarily true.