Even foes back Leggett
A strong opponent to contest the Porirua mayoralty with Nick Leggett is looking unlikely at the upcoming elections.
Of his main rivals for the vacant role in 2010, when Jenny Brash stood aside, none are expected to stand again in October. In fact, the consensus among them is Mr Leggett is doing an excellent job promoting Porirua nationally and providing sound leadership locally.
‘‘I’ve got no quarrels with what he is doing, there is absolutely no way I’ll be having another go,’’ exLabour Party minister and diplomat Russell Marshall said. Considered a strong contender, he won 1263 votes to Mr Leggett’s 5930 three years ago.
Litea Ah Hoi, who took second place with 2973 votes, was typically blunt.
‘‘Don’t be daft, are you kidding? He’ll wipe the floor with anyone who stands,’’ she said.
‘‘Once was enough and I honestly think Nick is doing a good job. Why would you want to change something that is working?’’
Ms Ah Hoi did confirm she would be seeking to retain her Eastern Ward seat on the council.
Longtime Porirua resident and former race relations conciliator Gregory Fortuin polled third in 2010 with 2432 votes but said ‘‘people have made their choices’’. He felt three years was not long enough for Mr Leggett to complete what he had started and hoped voters would give the mayor a second term.
Titahi Bay resident Mike Duncan, who secured 1104 votes, said he would not be standing while deputy mayor Liz Kelly ( 1705 votes) would not return calls from Kapi-Mana News last week, but had earlier indicated she would not contest the mayoralty.
The only confirmed contender at this point is Papakowhai man Brian Collins, who received just 454 votes in 2010, but there has been talk of a faction trying to convince former-All Black Norm Hewitt to contest the mayoralty.
Mr Leggett said he considers it ‘‘an honour and a privilege’’ to be Porirua’s civic leader and would love to continue being at the forefront of the council.
‘‘We have a good team who are working hard together on a vision, which sees additional investment, and an improved city centre and place for people to live and work. Part of my job is to sell Porirua and I’m proud of the direction we’re taking.’’
He does not expect Mr Collins to be his only opponent, and would prefer it that way. He says it is healthy for democracy to have incumbents – and what they stand for – challenged.
Meanwhile, Mr Leggett is disappointed e-voting is unlikely to be implemented in time for the October elections, saying it is an opportunity lost to turn around the woeful voting numbers, especially among young people.
For the two Porirua-Tawa seats on Greater Wellington Regional Council, Jenny Brash and Barbara Donaldson will be challenged by John Burke. He was ousted by Ms Brash in 2010 but confirmed he will be back for another campaign.
Ms Brash says she has enjoyed a ‘‘fascinating’’ three years and is hopeful of another term.