The Star: October 27, 2016

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8 Thursday October 27 2016 follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch The Star News Deputy mayor appointment far Shelley Robinson takes a look behind closed doors at the posturing over Andrew Turner’s announcement as deputy mayor AT FIRST glance, the appointment of Andrew Turner as deputy mayor appears innocuous. He is a thoroughly likeable bloke – he is the fella around the barbecue everyone gets on with. But make no mistake, the appointment of Cr Turner, who is The People’s Choice caucus leader comes with political moves, counter moves and forward thinking. Sources at the city council said while many outside and inside city hall would have preferred Raf Manji as deputy mayor, The People’s Choice would not have supported it – suffice to say they don’t get along. So opposed to it, there was speculation that they could at the first meeting, dependent on support of other left-leaning city councillors, put in an notice of motion to get him, or any other independent, removed from the role. It would not have been a good way to start the new city council. So then, it became highly likely that the deputy mayor was going to come from The People’s Choice camp of councillors Yani Johanson, Glenn Livingstone, Jimmy Chen, Anne Galloway, Pauline Cotter, Phil Clearwater and Cr Turner. While they are a minority, with seven members out of a possible 17 elected members, they are a powerful group. But it appears that not all in the caucus were happy with Cr Turner being the only option for deputy mayor. Sources say there was lobbying before last Tuesday’s caucus meeting. While former deputy mayor Vicki Buck had made it clear she wanted out of the role, at least two of The People’s Choice city councillors were lobbying others around the table for her to continue instead of Cr Turner. But it appears that the caucus resolved to be unanimous, and the outcome of the meeting was the tick for Cr Turner. He in turn informed Mayor Lianne Dalziel he had the support POLITICAL MOVE: Lianne Dalziel’s announcement that Andrew Turner would be her deputy for the next three years, comes in an political environment where The People’s Choice are becoming a strong united voice around the table. of his caucus should she offer him the role. It was no surprise to Ms Dalziel as he had been lobbying for the role for a few months. Last Thursday, it was officially announced to all city councillors before the swearingin ceremony. Former city councillor Paul Lonsdale, who lost his seat, said the lobbying could indicate that individual The People’s Choice members were already jostling for position for the mayoralty next term. “There are people who do fancy themselves as mayor and with Andrew being deputy mayor it puts him right in line next time,” he said. But analysing the political climate within council chambers it was inevitable Ms Dalziel would choose a deputy mayor from The People’s Choice. They had become a quite a force and could divide the table. EAT, TALK, SMILE Live life confidently with advanced dental and denture care. Welcome to Duchenne With eight clinics throughout Christchurch, we consistently deliver the most appropriate and cost-effective treatment solutions. Our clients receive the highest level of care, allowing you the confidence to get on living a quality life to the fullest. Why Duchenne? • Professional and Personal treatment • Market Leaders in Technology and Techniques • A location convenient for you • Most comprehensive treatment choices • Friendly and Personable Clinicians 8 convenient Christchurch locations: Merivale .............................................................................................. 03 375 4444 Beckenham ....................................................................................... 03 375 4443 Fendalton .......................................................................................... 03 375 4449 Linwood .............................................................................................. 03 375 4448 Kaiapoi ................................................................................................ 03 375 4442 QEII Dental ........................................................................................ 03 388 0881 Dentistry with a Smile .............................................................. 03 338 8210 Halswell Dental ............................................................................. 03 322 9577 Canterbury’s leading company specialising in complete denture services. www.duchenne.co.nz
The Star follow us on facebook.com/riseupchristchurch Thursday October 27 2016 9 Canterbury’s weather updates with Mercy Cornish Mon-Fri bulletins: 5.30pm, repeats at 7pm and 9.30pm Freeview 40 | Live and on demand at ctv.co.nz | facebook.com/canterburytv from a foregone conclusion It is no secret around the city council table that The People’s Choice had put the independents, including Ms Dalziel, offside with their “block voting” on issues such as asset sales, creating a tense divide at times. While the previous term’s city councillors were at pains to spare the community a repeat of the outward bickering from the Sir Bob Parker table – including the infamous A and B teams, in reality there was division but more subtle. The A team this time were the The People’s Choice city councillors against the B team independents, with former deputy mayor Cr Buck and Ms Dalziel the swing votes off to the side. Cr Gough said it “did in their heads”. “We (the independents) ended up having to meet and caucus. They just became a well-oiled political machine. They act in opposition. Local government politics is too small for a miniparliament,” he said. City councillors spoken to by The Star said it was possible without The People’s Choice deputy mayor at the helm, the two sides could keep veering apart, in spite of solid leadership by Ms Dalziel. When asked by The Star if Cr Turner could unite the council bringing together the differing groups Ms Dalziel said: “I hope so”. “I think what Andrew has got is he has built a very strong position of trust,” she said. Mr Turner said it was “his hope” he could unite the city council. “The citizens of Christchurch don’t want to see a council squabbling . . . that’s not to say there won’t be viewpoints expressed, there should be, but it is how we work those differences to get the result that is important,” he said. Canterbury University political science senior lecturer Dr Bronwyn Hayward said Ms Dalziel needed a strongly united council to contend with the Government. “Central government is very difficult unless you can show you have legitimacy of strong public opinion of the community behind you and a strongly united council . . . Dr Hayward said no-one but a The People’s Choice candidate would have had a realistic shot at the deputy mayor role – including Cr Manji due to the political make-up of the council. Cr Turner’s appointment was “political pragmatism and building an inclusive council”, she said. “Realistically any of the other candidates like Raf (Manji) are unlikely to unite the council so Andrew Turner is likely an effective political choice because he will be able to unite a wide range of groups, including The People’s Choice. “You have to work with the team you’ve got and his (Cr Manji’s) leadership wouldn’t be as effective in the setting at this time,” she said. She said the biggest challenge FRUSTRATION: It was no secret that last term The People’s Choice and Cr Raf Manji (right) butted heads, while Jamie Gough said independents had to caucus in response to The People’s Choice. PHOTO: GEOFF SLOAN for Cr Turner would be making the transition to working for the wider team and not just his caucus but he had a very “inclusive style” which would bridge the gap. Those that may struggle with that the most, would be his The People’s Choice colleagues. “They as a team will have to show humility and ability . . . the public will not be tolerating groups splitting off – especially post-quake there is a strong resistance to factionalism,’ she said. If last term is anything to go by, Ms Dalziel will deal with factionalism very efficiently. During the last few months of that term, The Star was aware of disquiet among some city councillors. Some vented frustration that they were not allowed to comment to media on issues to do with the relationship with Government, especially with regards to what the city council was doing to exert influence to move the anchor projects ahead. There were concerns Ms Dalziel was clamping down too hard. Ms Dalziel said she never gagged city councillors from talking, but encouraged them to be cautious and informed if commenting in the public realm. “I have no control over what they say. All I say is let the communications team know so we can get factual information,” she said. But Cr Turner said city councillors should not be commenting on the relationship with the Government. “It is obviously a two-sided relationship and the council is only one part of that. Councillors are not at liberty to talk about the relationship we are only one party to. Obviously, some of the details of the anchor projects have commercial sensitivities and certainly it is not our role to be talking Are you a small business owner? Want to grow your business? Want help on how to comply? Join us and ask the experts at our FREE Christchurch event. Taking Care of Business: Government Supporting Your Business. Ask questions of the experts from: > NZTE/Callaghan Innovation > Business.govt.nz > Statistics NZ > Inland Revenue > WorkSafe > ACC > The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Watch recent TEDxChristchurch events at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre. 22 October—5 November 11am–12.30pm and 2pm–3.30pm Pick up your schedule from any library. All day livestreaming of TEDxChristchurch 2016 on 29 October! Monday 7 November, 4pm - 6pm Rydges Latimer Christchurch, 30 Latimer Square, Christchurch Central For more information and to register for this event, visit: www.mbie.govt.nz or call 0800 770 772
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The Star: October 27, 2016

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