Politics not for the fainthearted! - 13/11/2008

The cut and thrust of politics is not for the fainthearted! The minute you put your hand up to represent a political party, you are damned by many, adored by some and an oddity to others.

National elections bring out the best and worst in people and few aspiring politicians will escape the criticism and wrath of the voter. I thought some of the smear advertising tactics against John Key were pretty awful and it more than likely backfired in its attempt to damage. In general, Kiwis like a bit of fair play. Locally, I saw few examples of foul play and nastiness against our aspirants fighting for the Whanganui electorate and for that reason alone, I applaud those who stood locally. Congratulations to Chester Borrows and commiserations to Hamish, Heather, Alan and John. Well done also to Tariana Turia – an inveterate fighter for Whanganui and Maori causes. I believe the Maori Party gained huge respect for its campaign this time.

Wanganui has been overlooked in the past, politically. Now, with Chester, we have a Minister in waiting, I hope. Chester is a strong advocate for law and order, for the Police and for our Wanganui District Council gang insignia ban bylaw. For us to have a Cabinet Minister standing up for Wanganui issues around the governmental table will be a huge coup.

Meanwhile, at Council level, we celebrate this week the convoking of the Freedom of the City on our rugby heroes – the Meads Cup winners. I hope we will see a huge turnout on Friday for the street celebration and civic ceremony. This week I will also be welcoming international visitors from the Isle of Wight and Nagaizumi-cho. The first group is a cultural exchange, the latter comprises councillors who are visiting schools, factories and farms. I am optimistic that we might gain more economic advantages from our Sister City relationship with Japan.

Early next week Councillors will be interviewing and choosing a new Chief Executive for Wanganui District Council. We have received 32 applications for the position. This is a large number of competent people seeking to live and work in Wanganui; a reflection of the esteem in which Wanganui is held throughout New Zealand. Some Councillors from both Wanganui and Ruapehu are also visiting Nelson to investigate the value (or otherwise) of Wanganui and Ruapehu becoming unitary authorities. This is when both regional and local government combine to achieve efficiencies and effectiveness. This will be an interesting exercise.

So, the day to day life of a politician continues. An election merely changes the players.