Ward election hard to call

SCOTT MORGAN

THE emergence of several high-profile candidates that could split the Waitemata and Gulf ward's centre-right vote isn't enough to convince Auckland Regional Council chairman Mike Lee he's got its sole Auckland Council seat sewn up.

Heart of the City chief executive Alex Swney and businessman Tenby Powell join Mr Lee, who is aligned with the centre-left City Vision ticket, in contesting the council seat.

The electoral waters could be muddied further if former Citizens & Ratepayers candidate Michael Barnett recovers from treatment for throat cancer and puts his name forward before nominations close on August 20.

But Mr Lee isn't taking anything for granted, despite a possible three-way split in the centre-right vote.

"It's a little bit early yet. We haven't seen who else is going to put their nominations in.

"Obviously the better the competition, the better it is for the voter."

The Waiheke Island resident says political leanings may not be the major driver behind the public's voting patterns.

"To be honest I think it would be a mistake to put too much emphasis on the politics of it.

"They'll go for the strongest candidate. I think this will be a very tough election."

Mr Swney, who lives in Herne Bay, admits he's of the centre-right persuasion, but says many of the issues he's championed will appeal to all voters. These include pushing for better public transport, heritage issues and enhancing the waterfront, which have been developed during his decade at the helm of Heart of the City.

"These are not just positions we've developed for the campaign," he says.

Mr Powell, who's supporting Auckland city mayor John Banks in the supercity mayoralty race, says he's a centrist with views that reflect right and left-wing positions depending on the issue.

While he supports fining taggers who deface other people's property, Mr Powell says he's also a strong supporter of environmental and arts and culture projects.

The Herne Bay resident says political views are only part of what people think about when voting in local body elections.

"Aucklanders vote on issues that help them achieve their aims," the Herne Bay resident says.

Citizens & Ratepayers president John Slater says he's working on the assumption Mr Barnett will stand, depending on how his treatment progresses.

Mr Slater wouldn't comment on an alternative plan if Mr Barnett doesn't stand.

But he acknowledges there's a chance the centre-right right vote could be split.

"It's always possible, but the same is true for the centre-left. We'll be watching the situation."

The Waitemata and Gulf ward stretches from Westmere in the west to Parnell in the east, to the central city in the north and Grafton in the south and includes Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands.

Voting papers are posted out from September 17, and the closing date is October 9.

- © Fairfax NZ News