I’ve been arguing for some time that this election could be one of the lowest turn outs ever as disgruntled voters weaponise their apathy in the same way they weaponised it for the census.
As Aucklanders are stuck in gridlock, they don’t care Goff gained them $9billion in infrastructure they can’t see and the neoliberal gutting of local councils means Councils are a masquerade of a democracy that is really run by technocrats we don’t elect.
This all seems to be reaping a bitter fruit.
The first days results were the worst for a decade, the second days results we worse.
This time in 2010 the return rate was 8.8%
This time in 2013 the return rate was 4.1%
This time in 2016 the return rate was 5.79%
And the return rate for this election? A meagre 3.19%
Oh well, at least technically speaking the low numbers can’t dip into “negative votes”-or can they-in some weird quantum way?
The level of non engagement and outright alienation is definitely not a positive!
For me there is small incentive to vote for either Tamihere or Goff. I lived in Goff’s electorate for too many years – NOT IMPRESSED then or now!
Tamihere thinks he has the right to sell 49% of Aucklanders’ water. I don’t believe he has such a right. I’ve had more than enough of politicians selling off the peoples’ assets.
Many other candidates! Why do you mention only Goff or Tamihere? That’s right, because they are the only ones being given ANY coverage!!
I have no affiliation to any of them! Am extremely pissed that the media is denying coverage to any others!! So Wrong ☹️
https://i.stuff.co.nz/auckland/115073144/auckland-local-elections-mayoral-candidates-officially-announced
2 or 20??
Got papers in mail. Heaps of wannabees. I am a 71 yr old living not far from Nth Shore Hospital, Lady Alum, Westlake Schools. I have heard of only 3 candidates. No one on this list has made themselves known to me, said hello, asked how I was, has come to see me, has invited me for coffee, public meeting etc and yet I am on a number of public services books. I frankly think it is arrogant that the hopefuls should expect me to vote for them, when they are unable to do anything except in some cases, put up a big billboard telling us how wonderful they think they are. Voting is picking those you dislike least. Sorry, but this entire list is of similar performance to me, and I certainly would not employ you on this performance, so why the hell would I vote for you?
Is it because the way Auckland Council was set up there is NO point voting for anyone? It was set up to ensure business bypassed elected representatives.
These local boards have zero say over anything, a fraudulent sop to democracy. About all it does is provide jobs to the otherwise unemployable but was that never it’s purpose, rather a cover for Nationals real intent, virtual disenfranchisement.
And they got away with it!
Bomber as an ex Aucklander i know exactly what life is like in the Big Smoke that is why i left.
I am in CHCH now and voting for Minto for Mayor.
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