The Press Mayoral Debate, James Hay Theatre, Christchurch 18/09/07
September 18th 2007 11:43
When the mayoral election finishes on Oct 13th, Christchurch will have a new mayor so with this thought in mind I decided to check out the 9 candidates that were going to be there and find out why they feel they deserve to be mayor?
The candidates answering questions tonight were:
Blair Anderson, Kyle Chapman, Byron Clark, Jo Giles, Bob Parker, Mark Ross,
Paulus Telfer, Megan Woods and Peter Wakeman.
Hosting the debate were The Press deputy editor, Andrew Holden and broadcaster and Press columnist Mike Yardley.
There was a very good turn out of around 300 plus people and very wide age group representation.
The debate kicked off with each candidate having 2 minutes to say who they were and what they stood for. ( may not be in order that they appeared and due to the amount of content from the evening, some parts have been ammended )
Blair Anderson- Good to see him come out from behind his podium and engage the audience. The most of the main focus of Blair’s 2 minutes was all on climate change before proceeding to say that to check out his website
Mikes Q & A
‘You have said that the council was rating people out of their homes and that services were not being delivered, can you give examples?’
Blair didn’t answer the actual question and hedged around somewhat before finally mentioning about transport.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ....
Kyle Chapman- Gave some insight about what makes him tick, history of social work and feels that a leadership position is about serving. Has real concern about the direction of the city and wants to update colonial laws to deal with issues effecting the city.
Kyle also stated that in his opinion, the police are largely ignoring non violent crime and that there should be more police walking around on the beat.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. .....
Byron Clark- Bryon is a history student and a retail worker, a member of the workers party and if elected would be a mayor who represents the workers. Has very strong opinion’s of all services being in public ownership and increased public services.
Mikes Q & A
‘How do you think the council should engage with the youth?’
Byron- ‘They should stop treating them as criminals and start to listen to the youth’
(which they neglected to do with the city mall project)
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ....
Jo Giles- Decided to stand for mayor after she found out about the cost of the new civic offices. Also focused on inner city crime and would like to see more cameras around the city as they are shown to reduce crime. If she was elected, she would focus on our communities, keeping pools open and keeping our water clean and pure.
Mikes Q & A
‘You have said a youth curfew is wanted, why is it needed?’
Jo-‘We are still getting 14 yr olds out and about causing problems and graffiti, so a 11 pm curfew would be an option, she voiced strong concern about graffiti and that she would like to clean up the problem.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. .
Bob Parker – I have 16 years experience in local government and have had 4 elections in 3 years to contend with. Realizes that there are big challenges ahead in regards to crime, traffic and rates increase. Understands the environmental issues and would focus on a light rail system of some kind if elected.
I have the courage, experience and leadership skills to be mayor of Chch.
Mikes Q & A
‘You have been quoted as saying fresh leadership was needed, now you appear to be the defender of the status quo’
‘I’m freed from the history of the city council as I was previously part of the Banks Peninsula council’.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ..
Mark Ross- Mark had a very casual ‘Gday’ attitude and although it was fresh and cheeky, he should have taken his hands out of his pockets, rather than leaning against the podium. Focused on the fact that the current local govt is full of tired batteries and Its now time for someone who has the energy and staying power to get the job done.
He played on his straight talking approach although some of his comments like ‘old biddies’ weren’t the best really.
Mikes Q & A
‘What basis did he make the claim that tourist routes are cleaned before other residential areas?’
Mark- For the publicity really’
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ..
Paulus Tefer – Very short speech, just advised that he represents the poor during court issues and that he is against corruption.
Mikes Q & A
‘Where is the corruption?’
Didn’t give a good answer or any specific details and what was mentioned wouldn’t normally be classed as corruption in the sense of the word.
Mike then asked if he had missed his calling and maybe might make a good novel writer?
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. .
Megan Woods- Very strong vocal presence, her campaign is about issues affecting Christchurch now and she advised that Bob Parker voted for a rates increase. Her policy would be a rates decrease and isn’t worried about having a celebrity profile. She got a big round of applause.
Mike asked her about if 20/21 should be judged on their financial policies ? Megan had a very strong opinion on this and although a 20/21 councilor had voted for a rates increase, so had Bob Parker.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. .
Peter Wakeman- Peter was the last to speak as he had just returned from speaking at another function. Appeared to be quite aggressive and bit of an attitude with his 2 mins all about himself, flying a plane etc. Mike asked him if he might be over stretching himself with contesting 4 positions? Peter’s reply was again aggressive and with an attempt to belittle the host. This sort of behavior wasn’t well received by the audience.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ...
During the 10 minute break, I had opportunity to quickly ask Bob Parker a question as he walked past.
‘How do you feel the debate has gone so far’?
Bob- I have enjoyed the opportunity to put across what I stand for and to discuss these with my fellow candidates, thank you for your question.
I then discussed the debate with the people sting around me. Opinion was that it was a good lively debate with a mixture of straight talking, issue avoidance and humour thrown in. Most people thought that Bob Parker would win and being the mayor is more than just local issues, as there is a global stage to consider and who would be best to represent Christchurch on this stage?
Part 2 of the debate consisted of the candidates asking each other questions, so for a full transcript of the night, check out the Press online but some of the questions from the candidates and audience as follows:
Mark Ross Q & A to Megan Woods
Would you adopt the views of the people of Chch if your party endorsed an unpopular policy and would resign over it?
Megan – We would take another look at the policy ( skirted/avoided the resign question)
Megan Woods Q & A to Bob Parker
We need a mayor who is straight up, will you tell us who is backing your campaign?
Bob- No not at present but will disclose those details after the election
From the Audience – Jo, Bob and Megan, a favorite ice cream that reflects your leadership style?
Jo- This one of the hardest questions I have been asked but would have to say Neapolitan as it reflects my city vision.
Bob –Tough one but I would say Vanilla ice cream with black gumboots.
Megan- Hmm would have to be Goody Goody Gumdrops
All candidates raised valid points and issues ranging from transport, the poor, rates increases and the plains water policy. At the end each were given 60 secs to say a closing statement.
Jo – I’m honest and open and like to make things happen with a commitment to making the garden city green again.
Peter- Vote for me as I have a rural background, fly airplanes and passionate about protecting our water supply.
Mark- If elected mayor I would not go against public opinion and if you want flat tired batteries, then move to Aus.
Bob –This is a great city and we have a responsibility to our people, assets and water. You can’t do this without experience and the courage to stand up for what you believe in.
Kyle- To gather as many votes as possible as we get ignored in high crime/low income areas and I want something to change so our voice is heard.
Blair- This is an exciting time and ripe for radical change, I will focus the world attention on climate change if elected.
Megan- If elected I will put the people of Chch first, will be decisive and stand up for the city and nation.
Paulus – [I]Doesn’t matter who wins as with my work in the courts, I have helped more people over come the odds than all the other candidates together.
Byron- I got involved to change things for the better, if elected I will only accepted the average workers wage.
Words and photography by Heath Ling
On a personel note, I have lived in Christchurch for 8 years since moving over from the UK and have found it to be a great city to live in, friendly people, easy to get around, great services like New Brighton library and the Super Shed etc. (Don't forget my Christchurch Architecture photography is still on display there until the end of September). Sure there are problems and things to be improved but I have lived in alot worse places with libraries being closed and lack of resources and services, so Christchurch is pretty good compared to them. Also there seems to be an undercurrent of thinking that the city council should solve all our problems.
As citizens we all have a social responsibility to try and make a difference and not leave it to someone else to sort out. That can do attitude is what makes New Zealand and its people so great, so we should take some responsibility to know where our children are at night, why are they buying spray cans of paint? To recycle, save water and start thinking about the bigger picture. As to crime in the inner city, to cadge a phrase, 'Its not what we are drinking but how we are drinking' could well be part of the cause. Also lack of parental control and guidlines/schooling etc are part of the social issues that reflect on crime.
The candidates answering questions tonight were:
Blair Anderson, Kyle Chapman, Byron Clark, Jo Giles, Bob Parker, Mark Ross,
Paulus Telfer, Megan Woods and Peter Wakeman.
Hosting the debate were The Press deputy editor, Andrew Holden and broadcaster and Press columnist Mike Yardley.
There was a very good turn out of around 300 plus people and very wide age group representation.
The debate kicked off with each candidate having 2 minutes to say who they were and what they stood for. ( may not be in order that they appeared and due to the amount of content from the evening, some parts have been ammended )
Blair Anderson- Good to see him come out from behind his podium and engage the audience. The most of the main focus of Blair’s 2 minutes was all on climate change before proceeding to say that to check out his website
Mikes Q & A
‘You have said that the council was rating people out of their homes and that services were not being delivered, can you give examples?’
Blair didn’t answer the actual question and hedged around somewhat before finally mentioning about transport.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ....
Kyle Chapman- Gave some insight about what makes him tick, history of social work and feels that a leadership position is about serving. Has real concern about the direction of the city and wants to update colonial laws to deal with issues effecting the city.
Kyle also stated that in his opinion, the police are largely ignoring non violent crime and that there should be more police walking around on the beat.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. .....
Byron Clark- Bryon is a history student and a retail worker, a member of the workers party and if elected would be a mayor who represents the workers. Has very strong opinion’s of all services being in public ownership and increased public services.
Mikes Q & A
‘How do you think the council should engage with the youth?’
Byron- ‘They should stop treating them as criminals and start to listen to the youth’
(which they neglected to do with the city mall project)
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ....
Jo Giles- Decided to stand for mayor after she found out about the cost of the new civic offices. Also focused on inner city crime and would like to see more cameras around the city as they are shown to reduce crime. If she was elected, she would focus on our communities, keeping pools open and keeping our water clean and pure.
Mikes Q & A
‘You have said a youth curfew is wanted, why is it needed?’
Jo-‘We are still getting 14 yr olds out and about causing problems and graffiti, so a 11 pm curfew would be an option, she voiced strong concern about graffiti and that she would like to clean up the problem.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. .
Bob Parker – I have 16 years experience in local government and have had 4 elections in 3 years to contend with. Realizes that there are big challenges ahead in regards to crime, traffic and rates increase. Understands the environmental issues and would focus on a light rail system of some kind if elected.
I have the courage, experience and leadership skills to be mayor of Chch.
Mikes Q & A
‘You have been quoted as saying fresh leadership was needed, now you appear to be the defender of the status quo’
‘I’m freed from the history of the city council as I was previously part of the Banks Peninsula council’.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ..
Mark Ross- Mark had a very casual ‘Gday’ attitude and although it was fresh and cheeky, he should have taken his hands out of his pockets, rather than leaning against the podium. Focused on the fact that the current local govt is full of tired batteries and Its now time for someone who has the energy and staying power to get the job done.
He played on his straight talking approach although some of his comments like ‘old biddies’ weren’t the best really.
Mikes Q & A
‘What basis did he make the claim that tourist routes are cleaned before other residential areas?’
Mark- For the publicity really’
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ..
Paulus Tefer – Very short speech, just advised that he represents the poor during court issues and that he is against corruption.
Mikes Q & A
‘Where is the corruption?’
Didn’t give a good answer or any specific details and what was mentioned wouldn’t normally be classed as corruption in the sense of the word.
Mike then asked if he had missed his calling and maybe might make a good novel writer?
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. .
Megan Woods- Very strong vocal presence, her campaign is about issues affecting Christchurch now and she advised that Bob Parker voted for a rates increase. Her policy would be a rates decrease and isn’t worried about having a celebrity profile. She got a big round of applause.
Mike asked her about if 20/21 should be judged on their financial policies ? Megan had a very strong opinion on this and although a 20/21 councilor had voted for a rates increase, so had Bob Parker.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. .
Peter Wakeman- Peter was the last to speak as he had just returned from speaking at another function. Appeared to be quite aggressive and bit of an attitude with his 2 mins all about himself, flying a plane etc. Mike asked him if he might be over stretching himself with contesting 4 positions? Peter’s reply was again aggressive and with an attempt to belittle the host. This sort of behavior wasn’t well received by the audience.
............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ...
During the 10 minute break, I had opportunity to quickly ask Bob Parker a question as he walked past.
‘How do you feel the debate has gone so far’?
Bob- I have enjoyed the opportunity to put across what I stand for and to discuss these with my fellow candidates, thank you for your question.
I then discussed the debate with the people sting around me. Opinion was that it was a good lively debate with a mixture of straight talking, issue avoidance and humour thrown in. Most people thought that Bob Parker would win and being the mayor is more than just local issues, as there is a global stage to consider and who would be best to represent Christchurch on this stage?
Part 2 of the debate consisted of the candidates asking each other questions, so for a full transcript of the night, check out the Press online but some of the questions from the candidates and audience as follows:
Mark Ross Q & A to Megan Woods
Would you adopt the views of the people of Chch if your party endorsed an unpopular policy and would resign over it?
Megan – We would take another look at the policy ( skirted/avoided the resign question)
Megan Woods Q & A to Bob Parker
We need a mayor who is straight up, will you tell us who is backing your campaign?
Bob- No not at present but will disclose those details after the election
From the Audience – Jo, Bob and Megan, a favorite ice cream that reflects your leadership style?
Jo- This one of the hardest questions I have been asked but would have to say Neapolitan as it reflects my city vision.
Bob –Tough one but I would say Vanilla ice cream with black gumboots.
Megan- Hmm would have to be Goody Goody Gumdrops
All candidates raised valid points and issues ranging from transport, the poor, rates increases and the plains water policy. At the end each were given 60 secs to say a closing statement.
Jo – I’m honest and open and like to make things happen with a commitment to making the garden city green again.
Peter- Vote for me as I have a rural background, fly airplanes and passionate about protecting our water supply.
Mark- If elected mayor I would not go against public opinion and if you want flat tired batteries, then move to Aus.
Bob –This is a great city and we have a responsibility to our people, assets and water. You can’t do this without experience and the courage to stand up for what you believe in.
Kyle- To gather as many votes as possible as we get ignored in high crime/low income areas and I want something to change so our voice is heard.
Blair- This is an exciting time and ripe for radical change, I will focus the world attention on climate change if elected.
Megan- If elected I will put the people of Chch first, will be decisive and stand up for the city and nation.
Paulus – [I]Doesn’t matter who wins as with my work in the courts, I have helped more people over come the odds than all the other candidates together.
Byron- I got involved to change things for the better, if elected I will only accepted the average workers wage.
Words and photography by Heath Ling
On a personel note, I have lived in Christchurch for 8 years since moving over from the UK and have found it to be a great city to live in, friendly people, easy to get around, great services like New Brighton library and the Super Shed etc. (Don't forget my Christchurch Architecture photography is still on display there until the end of September). Sure there are problems and things to be improved but I have lived in alot worse places with libraries being closed and lack of resources and services, so Christchurch is pretty good compared to them. Also there seems to be an undercurrent of thinking that the city council should solve all our problems.
As citizens we all have a social responsibility to try and make a difference and not leave it to someone else to sort out. That can do attitude is what makes New Zealand and its people so great, so we should take some responsibility to know where our children are at night, why are they buying spray cans of paint? To recycle, save water and start thinking about the bigger picture. As to crime in the inner city, to cadge a phrase, 'Its not what we are drinking but how we are drinking' could well be part of the cause. Also lack of parental control and guidlines/schooling etc are part of the social issues that reflect on crime.
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