2005: Who had the power?
The Press compiled its first Christchurch Power List in 2005, and it was decided that then Mayor Garry Moore was the city’s most powerful person, followed closely by city council chief executive Lesley McTurk.
‘‘The list, compiled and voted onbya Press panel, also uncovers the sway of commercial giant Nga¯i Tahu, with three members of iwi management making the top 11, including chairman Mark Solomon placed third.
‘‘The Press editor Paul Thompson takes fourth place and police district commander Sandra Manderson is fifth. Real estate entrepreneur Stephen Collins takes the top place for business (at seventh overall).’’
Moore, a third-term mayor of the city, said he was shocked at his top billing: ‘‘I’m staggered . . . It’s slightly disconcerting.’’
He said: ‘‘I’m not a sky-rocket leader. They look all bright and shiny for a wee while and then they burn out. What I passionately believe in is that I am a typical post-Vatican II Catholic. I believe passionately in being a servant of the people, a leader so surrounded by people you can’t see him working.’’
Others in the top 10 that year were then Environment Canterbury (ECan) chairman Sir Kerry Burke at No 6, company executive Tahu Potiki at No 10.
‘‘Some readers may consider the whole exercise frivolous, or an impossible task with no sensible solution, but the series does have value, whether or not you agree with its conclusions,’’ The Press’ editorial said on November 12, 2005.
‘‘Understanding this city, and the way its many sectors and their representatives mesh together, is vital in knowing how our future will be crafted.’’