Two Hs are the early choice

It's a battle between the two "H" men for New Plymouth's top civic job if a snap street poll is any guide.

While far from scientific, yesterday's survey gives an insight into the high number of undecided voters and the level of local body knowledge just three weeks before voting starts.

The poll in central New Plymouth canvassed at least 50 people with about 30 reporting they didn't know who they would vote for or were undecided.

We asked them if they knew who they were voting for and why they had picked that person.

Eight candidates are standing for the top job due to be vacated by Peter Tennent.

In alphabetical order they are Maurice Betts, Harry Duynhoven, Chantel Hewitt, Pauline Lockett, John "Horse" McLeod, Kevin D Moore, Phil Quinney and John Rae.

Of the 20 people happy to share top picks, former New Plymouth MP Mr Duynhoven and councillor Mr McLeod scored the most votes. Thirteen named Mr Duynhoven as top dog, six backed Mr McLeod, one wanted Mr Quinney in the top spot, one named Mr Rae and one picked Ms Hewitt.

The numbers don't quite add up because several people said either Harry or Horse would get their vote – they couldn't say who at this stage.

Others approached by the Taranaki Daily News were gunning for the two H men.

One man rated Horse – he didn't usually require a full name – because of the "mongrel in him" and because he stood up against everyone else. "The town needs a change and I think he would listen to people."

Several named John Rae as a second choice behind Horse, likening his track record as a businessman and his organisational ability. "He knows about local body things. He has organised Americarna", said one elderly man.

Tony Hodges of Waitara was sceptical about candidates, saying the only way to find out what they really stood for was to wait until they got into power. "Then they change their minds – even Horse McLeod might do that."

It was a shame Sheryl George wasn't standing for the top job because she was "mouthy", joked Mr Hodges. "They have to speak their mind and get their opinion out there. I like Phil Quinney and I like Horse. There's nothing wrong with Harry but when you get four or five in there it makes it harder."

Raena Haskell said she'd heard of Horse and knew Harry "from way back" but had yet to do her reading and settle on a preferred choice. "I'll put some thought into it. I'd like to find out information."

Another woman said "Horse" made "a lot of noise" but she wouldn't be voting for him.

Many undecided voters, some of whom were unsure if they would even vote, had inevitably heard of Horse McLeod or Harry Duynhoven. Horse was perceived as an opinionated character; Harry stood out as a steady, proven option.

Several had heard of Phil Quinney but Maurice Betts, Chantel Hewitt, Pauline Lockett, Kevin Moore barely rated a mention.

A couple didn't know current mayor Peter Tennent wasn't re-standing.

Voting papers for the local body elections will be sent to households in the next few weeks and voting opens on September 17.

- © Fairfax NZ News