Well, there go the power companies, and we can forget funding for the City Rail Link. No moderating Green influence on this Parliament unless something stunning happens with the votes yet to be counted.
Very worrying National doing well. National supporters not welcome on this blog.
I voted the Greens, as I had a feeling Labour were doing badly so I thought at least if the Greens one more seats they would have a stronger say on issues, but people are stupid and choose to vote that National Dictator Key, people are stupid!!!!!!
Umm, no. It’s a share float. We’re not selling them.
I always wonder why people go on and on about how useless the government is, but at the same time they want the government to own utilities. Surely if the govt’s so crap at getting stuff done, we don’t want them running our power stations!
@BD: You’re a typical leftie who thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. Are you sure you’re not the stupid one?
But yeah. Vote Greens coz day liek the enviromint.
I think somehow, in some strange way we are still going to see the city rail link.
Now they made Auckland a super city, it’s like a competitor to the NZ government!!
When viewed from overseas the NZ electoral seats look shocking.
The majority of NZ’s population is located in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga/Mt and Auckland and yet it is the tiny proportion of the nation in the countryside that continue to have sway in government through the greater seat ratio they have over the majority population of the country.
@Martin - hence why MMP is so important for NZ to make sure that the overall makeup of parliament is still proportional to the number of votes each party gets.
We appear to have consigned ourselves to a prescription of worsening car- and truck-overdependency for the next 50 years. Because if in the next 3 years the RoNS schemes all get underway as National intends, 50 years will be the likely duration of the effects of this policy. Why does transport never really become an election-issue?
I predict the National Govt will oversee the following:
- No Auckland rail tunnel funding
- Closure of many railway lines
- PT prices will rise thanks to reduction of PT funding by National Govt.
On the up side, to help ruin Nationals plans to sell off large chunks of assets - we go deeper into a global financial crisis. National will underperform, NZers will dump National in 2014. Good luck.
tbird, most people are not claiming the government is rubbish at delivering services like power. It is right wingers like yourself who constantly demand the government sell key infrastructure built up over the decades all the while sniveling and whinging they can do it better . Why do we never see these captains of industry get any going from the ground up themselves? But please, continue to serve up your dipped in shit opinions.
BD - That is a pretty childish comment and you might be surprised to know that pretty much every person that I know that supports National also supports PT and things like the CRL
It was a for gone conclusion that National will win.
There is nothing wrong MMP. It works well, at least it has put National on notice about their performance or in 2014 it will be a centre left coalition.
Remember it was National under Muldoon where NZ’s financial problems started.
The other factor, is that there is a large economic storm developing in the Euro zone & one developing in the US.
Last week Germany’s latest bond tender were not fully subscribed to & as we all know, the Germany is more financially stabled member of the EU.
If the US can not agree how to reduce its debt & if these two economic storms meet, then there will be a ‘perfect Storm’ scenario for a severe global recession or possibility a global depression. As a country, we can not ignore what is happening internationally. Whilst NZ will be buffed by this economic storm but we will get through it at a cost.
The Auckland CBD rail loop will happen (grudgingly), Kiwirail will be part of asset sales with, Tranz Scenic/Kiwi Rail Passenger services will be sold off, as Kiwirail concentrates on its core business of freight. Yep, there will be lines either closed or mothballed as Kiwirail rationalizes its freight routes.
Rate payers will have to subsidize public transport & public transport fares will go up as central government reduces spending. This means the Capital Connection (unless an operator takes it over) will go & the Hamilton/Waikato region rate payers will have to subsidize the Hamilton to Auckland passenger services like the rate payers in Auckland & Wellington do.
I’m aware of what you say, have a Masters in NZ Politics (Massey) and am now involved with the Welsh Assembley & Welsh NHS. I’m just suprised at the fact that the popular vote might not have been in as much favour towards the Nats as it appears. Its a pity that more cities in the country don’t recieve independant representation eg Rotorua, Hastings etc.
We are happy with the NZ First Party is return again and they will hard work for three years ahead and better all New Zealanders. Don’t keep remember in the past but now ahead for better.
Nikki Kaye the blond haired stuck up girl didn’t deserve to retain her seat I was so angry that she remained, another 3 years to get rid of this someone who works for a government that hates PT. Shame on you NZ, I voted Greens reason for this is that if the Greens increase the number of member’s in paliment they will have more bullets to fire at the National government.
Uh, Tbird, are you attempting to insinuate with your impression of “greeny” language there that left wing politicians and the ones who vote for those politicians are also stupid? I would advise you to have a look at the greens economic policy. It’s better than both Labour’s and National’s plans.
@BD - I think your being a bit childish there mate, National supporter’s don’t necessary support building motorways over train tracks etc. There are numerous policies and stances that you need to take into consideration when voting, and Labour/Greens only won on the Rail Link and transport policies for me. National got my vote because of other social, economic and leadership reasons.
Anyways this is a transport blog/news site, I’m sure Jon doesn’t support the view national supporters aren’t welcome here, and if you’re not willing to listen to others opinions, people won’t be willing to listen to yours. Bloggers on this site and others haven’t been able to put pressure on advancing projects such as the CRL by shutting other opinions out, but by allowing healthy argument which enables the benefits of such projects to be discussed with intelligent reasoning.
Does anyone have the picture of how much seats each party has…? I voted (for the first time ever!) But haven’t watched the elections because I knew who was going to win.
I’ve talked to my friends today and all of them said that if National continues with their “terrifying evil deeds” they will be moving straight to Australia or Europe.
And frankly, I can see why. Im only 18 and yet I can see that the government is screwing our lives over already. If they dare start Fracking then im gone for good.
However looking on the upside, I see that the Greens and NZ First are gaining popularity. Perhaps they might have a bigger voice than before.
@BD I was also really disappointed to see Nikki Kaye win Auckland Central. She is an absolute waste of space and full of hot air (like I support trams and CBD link…as long as I and my govt don`t have to pay a penny for it…and then we can turn up to the opening and take all the credit).
Moreover I`m REALLY disappointed at the 2,200 odd people who gave their electorate vote to Green (Denise Roche) allowing Kaye to slip through and win.
Denise Roche was NEVER going to win that seat. She was high up on the Greens list and almost guaranteed to get into parliament anyway. A vote for her was a vote for Nikki Kaye and a precious extra seat for National towards getting a majority in parliament. Rather than a seat for a centre left coalition. Ditto in Christchurch. A further 4 or so electorate seats for Labour and we would have been getting close to that coalition.
So my vote for DUMBEST electorate voters are those who voted Green in close fought seats and cost Labour (and ironically themselves) victory and the possibility to form a govt.
@Aininfrastructure If you want a better Auckland, including the CBD tunnel then that should`ve been the top of your priorities. When will Aucklanders learn that a better Auckland isn`t just a local election issue. As far as an economic plan is concerned, apart from partial asset sales, National don`t have a plan and actually offered very little in policy during the election campaign if you`d taken the time to watch the leaders debates.
This country is going to be even further behind the 8-ball in 2014 compared to countries like Australia who already have a trillion+ dollars towards baby boomer superannuition thanks to taking the hard decisions more than a decade ago. Hard decisions which a party like National don`t have the balls to take. That`s the problem with populists like John Key. They`re everyone`s friend while they`re in power but rarely do they show the real leadership required. Far too many people at this election voted like this was a popularity contest NOT on policy. Heck 80 odd percent against partial asset sales but still voting for the party that`s going to do them. How crazy is that??!!!
Make no mistake we have just elected a party concerned only with 3 years more power rather than making the hard decisions that are going to impact the country positively in 10-20 years.
And I agree with Martin. Most provincial cities have become parts of largely rural seats. Once Labour strongholds (Like my hometown Whanganui) are now blue ribbon thanks to becoming part of a largely rural electorate including all of south Taranaki which effectively outdoes the urban Whanganui Labour vote. That needs to be rethought.
Well said Pim!
PS I used my nut and while voting Green for party vote (as Russel and Meteria asked for) I voted for Jacinda Ardern to try and take out Kaye.
Simon C - I know this post is about the election, however this is still a transport site so will keep my views based on that rather than delving into the other untruths that voters seem to have seen through.
I will agree with you on the fact that for a better Auckland in terms of transport (which is part of creating a better economy), would have been to cast votes as to which to create a centre-left government (Labour/Greens).
However transport is not the only issue that effects the economy. Hence my decision.
I also believe that voting is about picking what you think will benefit the country, not your own personal ambitions or plans, so although I felt very strongly on the CRL and therefore believe that the current government has got it wrong on the prioritizing of Puhoi and CRL projects, I am unable to put this above the economy, social and other government policies.
To answer your somewhat skewed question, yes I watched all the debates, however if your looking for policies, debates are not the best place to find them. They are about debating key differences between the policies nit picking on the ones they believe will influence people…probably just a bad example?
@Anthony That’s very sad. Many of my friends have already left.
It’s often on my mind too. I was so disappointed neither main party had any vision of where NZ is heading beyond the next 12 months.
Auckland Council has a proposed 30 year plan which on the whole looks good and is at least open for community debate.
Where is NZ’s long term plan?
@Ainfrastructure AKT is no longer just about trains. I welcome anyone debating issues beyond transport in relation to the election.
@Geoff I didn`t need the parties working together to be able to understand that if I voted for Denise Roche I would be helping Nikki Kaye win. If people couldn`t deduce that then they`re thick. And yes, 4 electorates would have had different results. That`s huge and that needs to be raised at local Green meetings because that is stopping the Greens becoming part of a govt and surely they would prefer that to being in perpetual opposition especially as a party they have matured and should be able to stand on their own two feet in a coalition without sustaining the kind of damage other smaller coalition parties have. They and their supporters need to be a little bit smarter.
@Ainfrastructure THE single most important project for Auckland`s future is the CBD rail tunnel. If you can`t understand that, then that`s ultimately sad for Auckland.
I guess that the way you voted you`re happy to pay a much larger price in rates etc for that project to become a reality though rather than at least have the central govt help carry the cost somewhat.
And coming to 2014 whether you like it or not you will have to make a choice to have the tunnel or to vote National. Some people on here have said National might change re the tunnel but that`s a load of bollocks. Steven Joyce has given no hint that he`s even entertained the thought.
This election also means it makes things much tougher for Len Brown and the Auckland Council and their vision for Auckland as they have to deal with a party that will block their aspirations at every turn. Pretty hard for local govt to make serious progress when central govt doesn`t support them eh? So I hope you cut Len Brown some slack in 2013. This election for Auckland voters should`ve been about reaffirming the Auckland council`s vision and plans. Voting for national in Auckland was a vote against that. Nothing less.
My priority is not myself. It is about making this city in which I live a better place. And that is not just a local issue.
The sooner the people in this country think about the big picture rather than just what is in it for themselves the better this country will progress. The last two elections has been about me, me , me. We are far too selfish and self-interested in this country. And as I said before we are getting further behind the 8ball on long term issues in this country. The time when ordinary NZers have to take their heads out of the sand and confront those issues and start thinking about the big picture and not just their own lives is not far away.
Further to my previous post, I know excatly what`s going to happen in 2013. Len Brown will be blamed and quite possibly turfed out for not having progressed his plans and projects enough by the same people that gave him a wholly unsupportive central govt. to work with. Make no mistake this result has pretty negative implications for the Auckland Council. The cherry on the top would be John Banks as local govt minister!
@Simon C John Key seemed to firm up tonight on Banks being given a ministerial post.
Banks won’t get his old post minister of police -and the hint was for a post outside Cabinet which means the odds have to be local government minister as his ACT predecessor got.
Not a great outcome for Len Brown.
Oh well, win or lose the people have spoken. Now we all just have to get on with it.
Just try to remember that this is still one of the best countries in the world to live in.
@Geoff
Not really, because the boundaries are redrawn every census to reflect population changes. The last time they were redrawn, the North Island gained an additional seat, and thus reduced the number of list MPs.
It’s not the same as the situation in the UK where Scottish electorates have 9% less population per electorate than English electorates on average. Whereas in New Zealand the South Island has 0.5% higher populations per electorate than the North Island (on average)
Arguably with the flow of people out of Christchurch, Christchurch seats may have a lower electoral roll than most other seats and hence have disproportionate power, but this was hardly intentional. They will probably have be fixed after the next census.
Banks will still be in govt in 2013 when the next mayor is elected, he’s unlikely to run with the chance of forcing a by-election without other motivating factors.
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Two ticks Labour and a vote for MMP with STV as the alternative.
1 Labor 1 Green
Only 1 for MMP didn’t do the alternative!
Looking at the 2 horse race for electorate seats is the best argument for MMP
Well, there go the power companies, and we can forget funding for the City Rail Link. No moderating Green influence on this Parliament unless something stunning happens with the votes yet to be counted.
Voted National and National. Looking good for me.
Very worrying National doing well. National supporters not welcome on this blog.
I voted the Greens, as I had a feeling Labour were doing badly so I thought at least if the Greens one more seats they would have a stronger say on issues, but people are stupid and choose to vote that National Dictator Key, people are stupid!!!!!!
“there go the power companies”
Umm, no. It’s a share float. We’re not selling them.
I always wonder why people go on and on about how useless the government is, but at the same time they want the government to own utilities. Surely if the govt’s so crap at getting stuff done, we don’t want them running our power stations!
@BD: You’re a typical leftie who thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. Are you sure you’re not the stupid one?
But yeah. Vote Greens coz day liek the enviromint.
I think somehow, in some strange way we are still going to see the city rail link.
Now they made Auckland a super city, it’s like a competitor to the NZ government!!
It doesn’t auger well for the next 3 years.
Here’s my take on it:
http://wellingtoncycleways.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/still-under-mediocrity-rule/
A share float isn’t a privatisation, Tbird? That officially is retarded.
When viewed from overseas the NZ electoral seats look shocking.
The majority of NZ’s population is located in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga/Mt and Auckland and yet it is the tiny proportion of the nation in the countryside that continue to have sway in government through the greater seat ratio they have over the majority population of the country.
PS I’m a rural kiwi myself.
No CBD rail tunnel then. Looks like emigration for me.
@Martin - hence why MMP is so important for NZ to make sure that the overall makeup of parliament is still proportional to the number of votes each party gets.
We appear to have consigned ourselves to a prescription of worsening car- and truck-overdependency for the next 50 years. Because if in the next 3 years the RoNS schemes all get underway as National intends, 50 years will be the likely duration of the effects of this policy. Why does transport never really become an election-issue?
I predict the National Govt will oversee the following:
- No Auckland rail tunnel funding
- Closure of many railway lines
- PT prices will rise thanks to reduction of PT funding by National Govt.
On the up side, to help ruin Nationals plans to sell off large chunks of assets - we go deeper into a global financial crisis. National will underperform, NZers will dump National in 2014. Good luck.
@Martin. The electorate seats should have a preferential vote instead of First past the Post, but MMP saves us from a completely unfair system.
tbird, most people are not claiming the government is rubbish at delivering services like power. It is right wingers like yourself who constantly demand the government sell key infrastructure built up over the decades all the while sniveling and whinging they can do it better . Why do we never see these captains of industry get any going from the ground up themselves? But please, continue to serve up your dipped in shit opinions.
I am proud that I voted for policies, as opposed to supporting smiling & waving.
BD - That is a pretty childish comment and you might be surprised to know that pretty much every person that I know that supports National also supports PT and things like the CRL
It was a for gone conclusion that National will win.
There is nothing wrong MMP. It works well, at least it has put National on notice about their performance or in 2014 it will be a centre left coalition.
Remember it was National under Muldoon where NZ’s financial problems started.
The other factor, is that there is a large economic storm developing in the Euro zone & one developing in the US.
Last week Germany’s latest bond tender were not fully subscribed to & as we all know, the Germany is more financially stabled member of the EU.
If the US can not agree how to reduce its debt & if these two economic storms meet, then there will be a ‘perfect Storm’ scenario for a severe global recession or possibility a global depression. As a country, we can not ignore what is happening internationally. Whilst NZ will be buffed by this economic storm but we will get through it at a cost.
The Auckland CBD rail loop will happen (grudgingly), Kiwirail will be part of asset sales with, Tranz Scenic/Kiwi Rail Passenger services will be sold off, as Kiwirail concentrates on its core business of freight. Yep, there will be lines either closed or mothballed as Kiwirail rationalizes its freight routes.
Rate payers will have to subsidize public transport & public transport fares will go up as central government reduces spending. This means the Capital Connection (unless an operator takes it over) will go & the Hamilton/Waikato region rate payers will have to subsidize the Hamilton to Auckland passenger services like the rate payers in Auckland & Wellington do.
It is going to be an interesting 3 years.
@ rtc & Matt
I’m aware of what you say, have a Masters in NZ Politics (Massey) and am now involved with the Welsh Assembley & Welsh NHS. I’m just suprised at the fact that the popular vote might not have been in as much favour towards the Nats as it appears. Its a pity that more cities in the country don’t recieve independant representation eg Rotorua, Hastings etc.
52% of NZ did not vote for National.
@JonR
64% of eligible voters did not vote for National.
Turn out was only 75%
We are happy with the NZ First Party is return again and they will hard work for three years ahead and better all New Zealanders. Don’t keep remember in the past but now ahead for better.
Nikki Kaye the blond haired stuck up girl didn’t deserve to retain her seat I was so angry that she remained, another 3 years to get rid of this someone who works for a government that hates PT. Shame on you NZ, I voted Greens reason for this is that if the Greens increase the number of member’s in paliment they will have more bullets to fire at the National government.
Uh, Tbird, are you attempting to insinuate with your impression of “greeny” language there that left wing politicians and the ones who vote for those politicians are also stupid? I would advise you to have a look at the greens economic policy. It’s better than both Labour’s and National’s plans.
@BD - I think your being a bit childish there mate, National supporter’s don’t necessary support building motorways over train tracks etc. There are numerous policies and stances that you need to take into consideration when voting, and Labour/Greens only won on the Rail Link and transport policies for me. National got my vote because of other social, economic and leadership reasons.
Anyways this is a transport blog/news site, I’m sure Jon doesn’t support the view national supporters aren’t welcome here, and if you’re not willing to listen to others opinions, people won’t be willing to listen to yours. Bloggers on this site and others haven’t been able to put pressure on advancing projects such as the CRL by shutting other opinions out, but by allowing healthy argument which enables the benefits of such projects to be discussed with intelligent reasoning.
@ Ainfrastructure Indeed, everyone is welcome. I am not a member of any political party.
Does anyone have the picture of how much seats each party has…? I voted (for the first time ever!) But haven’t watched the elections because I knew who was going to win.
Here you go Anthony.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz-election-results-2011/?page=seats
On the Good side- 3 Tram fans in parliament (Nikki Kaye, Jacinda Ardern, Denise Roche.
On the bad side, Act, UF, Joyce and Key.
The worst thing- that the Maori party will sell our assets. Sucks bro!
Thanks Owen.
I’ve talked to my friends today and all of them said that if National continues with their “terrifying evil deeds” they will be moving straight to Australia or Europe.
And frankly, I can see why. Im only 18 and yet I can see that the government is screwing our lives over already. If they dare start Fracking then im gone for good.
However looking on the upside, I see that the Greens and NZ First are gaining popularity. Perhaps they might have a bigger voice than before.
*wishful thinking*
@BD I was also really disappointed to see Nikki Kaye win Auckland Central. She is an absolute waste of space and full of hot air (like I support trams and CBD link…as long as I and my govt don`t have to pay a penny for it…and then we can turn up to the opening and take all the credit).
Moreover I`m REALLY disappointed at the 2,200 odd people who gave their electorate vote to Green (Denise Roche) allowing Kaye to slip through and win.
Denise Roche was NEVER going to win that seat. She was high up on the Greens list and almost guaranteed to get into parliament anyway. A vote for her was a vote for Nikki Kaye and a precious extra seat for National towards getting a majority in parliament. Rather than a seat for a centre left coalition. Ditto in Christchurch. A further 4 or so electorate seats for Labour and we would have been getting close to that coalition.
So my vote for DUMBEST electorate voters are those who voted Green in close fought seats and cost Labour (and ironically themselves) victory and the possibility to form a govt.
@Aininfrastructure If you want a better Auckland, including the CBD tunnel then that should`ve been the top of your priorities. When will Aucklanders learn that a better Auckland isn`t just a local election issue. As far as an economic plan is concerned, apart from partial asset sales, National don`t have a plan and actually offered very little in policy during the election campaign if you`d taken the time to watch the leaders debates.
This country is going to be even further behind the 8-ball in 2014 compared to countries like Australia who already have a trillion+ dollars towards baby boomer superannuition thanks to taking the hard decisions more than a decade ago. Hard decisions which a party like National don`t have the balls to take. That`s the problem with populists like John Key. They`re everyone`s friend while they`re in power but rarely do they show the real leadership required. Far too many people at this election voted like this was a popularity contest NOT on policy. Heck 80 odd percent against partial asset sales but still voting for the party that`s going to do them. How crazy is that??!!!
Make no mistake we have just elected a party concerned only with 3 years more power rather than making the hard decisions that are going to impact the country positively in 10-20 years.
And I agree with Martin. Most provincial cities have become parts of largely rural seats. Once Labour strongholds (Like my hometown Whanganui) are now blue ribbon thanks to becoming part of a largely rural electorate including all of south Taranaki which effectively outdoes the urban Whanganui Labour vote. That needs to be rethought.
Well said Pim!
PS I used my nut and while voting Green for party vote (as Russel and Meteria asked for) I voted for Jacinda Ardern to try and take out Kaye.
Simon C- I think blaming the electorate voters is the wrong target.
Blame Labour and Greens leaders for not working cooperatively.
4 electorates would have had different results if they had (probably more).
Could’ve changed the whole outcome…
Simon C - I know this post is about the election, however this is still a transport site so will keep my views based on that rather than delving into the other untruths that voters seem to have seen through.
I will agree with you on the fact that for a better Auckland in terms of transport (which is part of creating a better economy), would have been to cast votes as to which to create a centre-left government (Labour/Greens).
However transport is not the only issue that effects the economy. Hence my decision.
I also believe that voting is about picking what you think will benefit the country, not your own personal ambitions or plans, so although I felt very strongly on the CRL and therefore believe that the current government has got it wrong on the prioritizing of Puhoi and CRL projects, I am unable to put this above the economy, social and other government policies.
To answer your somewhat skewed question, yes I watched all the debates, however if your looking for policies, debates are not the best place to find them. They are about debating key differences between the policies nit picking on the ones they believe will influence people…probably just a bad example?
@Anthony That’s very sad. Many of my friends have already left.
It’s often on my mind too. I was so disappointed neither main party had any vision of where NZ is heading beyond the next 12 months.
Auckland Council has a proposed 30 year plan which on the whole looks good and is at least open for community debate.
Where is NZ’s long term plan?
@Ainfrastructure AKT is no longer just about trains. I welcome anyone debating issues beyond transport in relation to the election.
@Geoff I didn`t need the parties working together to be able to understand that if I voted for Denise Roche I would be helping Nikki Kaye win. If people couldn`t deduce that then they`re thick. And yes, 4 electorates would have had different results. That`s huge and that needs to be raised at local Green meetings because that is stopping the Greens becoming part of a govt and surely they would prefer that to being in perpetual opposition especially as a party they have matured and should be able to stand on their own two feet in a coalition without sustaining the kind of damage other smaller coalition parties have. They and their supporters need to be a little bit smarter.
@Ainfrastructure THE single most important project for Auckland`s future is the CBD rail tunnel. If you can`t understand that, then that`s ultimately sad for Auckland.
I guess that the way you voted you`re happy to pay a much larger price in rates etc for that project to become a reality though rather than at least have the central govt help carry the cost somewhat.
And coming to 2014 whether you like it or not you will have to make a choice to have the tunnel or to vote National. Some people on here have said National might change re the tunnel but that`s a load of bollocks. Steven Joyce has given no hint that he`s even entertained the thought.
This election also means it makes things much tougher for Len Brown and the Auckland Council and their vision for Auckland as they have to deal with a party that will block their aspirations at every turn. Pretty hard for local govt to make serious progress when central govt doesn`t support them eh? So I hope you cut Len Brown some slack in 2013. This election for Auckland voters should`ve been about reaffirming the Auckland council`s vision and plans. Voting for national in Auckland was a vote against that. Nothing less.
My priority is not myself. It is about making this city in which I live a better place. And that is not just a local issue.
The sooner the people in this country think about the big picture rather than just what is in it for themselves the better this country will progress. The last two elections has been about me, me , me. We are far too selfish and self-interested in this country. And as I said before we are getting further behind the 8ball on long term issues in this country. The time when ordinary NZers have to take their heads out of the sand and confront those issues and start thinking about the big picture and not just their own lives is not far away.
Further to my previous post, I know excatly what`s going to happen in 2013. Len Brown will be blamed and quite possibly turfed out for not having progressed his plans and projects enough by the same people that gave him a wholly unsupportive central govt. to work with. Make no mistake this result has pretty negative implications for the Auckland Council. The cherry on the top would be John Banks as local govt minister!
@Simon C John Key seemed to firm up tonight on Banks being given a ministerial post.
Banks won’t get his old post minister of police -and the hint was for a post outside Cabinet which means the odds have to be local government minister as his ACT predecessor got.
Not a great outcome for Len Brown.
Oh well, win or lose the people have spoken. Now we all just have to get on with it.
Just try to remember that this is still one of the best countries in the world to live in.
To the people complaining about rural electorates being too big.
The electorates are determined in the following manner:
The South Island is guaranteed 16 seats on the general roll.
Then each electorate is drawn to include within +/- 5% of 1/16 the population the general roll of the South Island.
The boundaries are set by the independent Representation Commission
http://www.elections.org.nz/mapping/final_report/02_general_electorates.html
(Not that the electorate vote really has any power unless you vote for a party under the 5% party vote threshold.)
The South Island being guaranteed 16 seats no matter the population flow is a form of gerrymander right?
@Geoff
Not really, because the boundaries are redrawn every census to reflect population changes. The last time they were redrawn, the North Island gained an additional seat, and thus reduced the number of list MPs.
It’s not the same as the situation in the UK where Scottish electorates have 9% less population per electorate than English electorates on average. Whereas in New Zealand the South Island has 0.5% higher populations per electorate than the North Island (on average)
Arguably with the flow of people out of Christchurch, Christchurch seats may have a lower electoral roll than most other seats and hence have disproportionate power, but this was hardly intentional. They will probably have be fixed after the next census.
Thanks Warrick. I wasn’t sure if it was a “despite what happens” rule or changeable.
I hope everyone will contribute to the Constitutional Review next year.
I’m pushing for 80 MP’s total. Imagine the money we could save…
Banks will still be in govt in 2013 when the next mayor is elected, he’s unlikely to run with the chance of forcing a by-election without other motivating factors.