Latest news with #Labour-endorsed
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Cr chided over digs about mayor
A councillor who labelled the Dunedin mayor a "buffoon" and "a baby Trump" has been called an embarrassment to city governance. The remarks come after Mayor Jules Radich suggested, in the wake of singer Ed Sheeran not coming to Dunedin, the city should launch a "Dunedin Sounds" festival. Mr Radich suggested Dunedin Sounds could be an event Sheeran might one day headline along with other international artists, including Taylor Swift. Cr Steve Walker took to social media to criticise Mr Radich's thinking. "It's a reminder of what a complete buffoon this guy is, he's literally rambling on like a baby Trump. "He did this pre the last local election and enough of you fell for it." Cr Brent Weatherall said Cr Walker's "nasty style" on social media did him no favours. "He would be better to invest in a pair of six-inch platforms if he wants to be noticed, and stick to issues important to himself if he wants to be taken seriously by voters opposed to disrespectful personal attacks on the mayor." Cr Bill Acklin said Cr Walker's behaviour was unacceptable and he accused the Labour-endorsed councillor of being disruptive through the term. "I find Cr Walker to be an embarrassment to the governance of this city," Cr Acklin said. "I would like to think that the party who endorse him would also be ashamed of his unprofessional antics." Southern Labour electorate committee chairwoman Ruth Chapman said the party continued to have confidence in Cr Walker as a candidate for a council seat. Cr Walker stood by his position. "In essence, [Mr Radich] can't just bleat out any nonsense about Taylor Swift et al, with no robust background work to understand how mechanically it would all work. "There's never been a vision or masterplan under Radich, just plucked-out-of-the-air nonsense. "Jules isn't a bad or nasty guy — he just isn't capable of the job voters picked him to do." Mr Radich did not want to engage with Cr Walker's comments. "Cr Walker persists in name calling and such behaviour says a lot more about him than his targets." Mayoral candidate Andrew Simms said Cr Walker's comments crossed a line. "I have seen this and many other similar comments from Cr Walker which communicate a deep disrespect for the current mayor and a deep-seated resentment of previous decisions made by Mayor Radich. "While Cr Walker may not respect Mayor Radich as a person, he should have respect for the office of the mayor. "It is entirely possible to express disapproval in the performance of the current mayor and uphold some dignity and respect at the same time. "In my view, such exchanges only serve to further undermine the community's respect for this current council at every level." Cr Carmen Houlahan, who is also running for mayor, said Cr Walker's comments were in the atmosphere of an election campaign. "We are in an election. Have you seen some of the abuse we are getting? "Sadly, 'buffoon' is kind compared to some of the unacceptable comments from some in the public." Cr Houlahan said criticism of the council as dysfunctional was wide of the mark. "This term we have worked hard with a huge workload, with government changes to legislation around Three Waters, the hospital campaign ... Most of the time we have all worked well together. "We have differing views at times — that is democracy." Cr David Benson-Pope said: "My view of the mayor appeared in your publication as the front-page lead when I stated 'he has none of the skills required for the job'." — Additional reporting Grant Miller
Otago Daily Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
OUSA rep running for council criticised
A Labour candidate for the Dunedin City Council has become the target of a campaign calling for him to stand down as a student representative. Jett Groshinski's decision to run as a Labour-endorsed candidate at this year's local body elections has caused tension within the Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) executive, where he is the political representative. He has been allowed to continue his role in a reduced capacity, and OUSA president Liam White was confident any conflict of interest could be avoided. However, since then, fellow student Fergus Parks has posted flyers across the university campus calling for Mr Groshinski to step down from his representative role. Mr Parks said his posters were filling a communication gap left by OUSA. He was supportive of Mr Groshinski standing as a candidate, but the problem was he was doing it "at the same time while he's on the executive''. "The perception of the students is, 'oh, he's just been using this role as a means to support his campaign'" The biggest problem was it had been "effectively radio silence'' from OUSA on the matter, Mr Parks said. "There's been no official posts, no official notices from the president and everything which has so far happened has only been facilitated by the student newspaper [Critic Te Ārohi], which is independent of the OUSA. "The lack of clarity leading up to here just doesn't fill you with hope about how they're going to handle it" He was also concerned Mr Groshinski would continue to receive a full wage for reduced duties while other executive members took on more work. Mr Groshinski said the executive had agreed to a "conflict of interest plan'' to keep his two roles separate. He could comment on election matters as a candidate, but referred any requests for OUSA comment on to Mr White. Mr White said the OUSA executive had held thorough discussions on the matter and there was a "diversity of opinion amongst the executives''. "Some people thought that he should resign outright, that it wasn't a conflict that we could manage, and some of the executives disagreed with that. "But eventually we went with Jett not being involved in media. "He will not be involved in the OUSA local body election process ... and he's going to come off as chair of the political action committee" Mr White said he was confident Mr Groshinski and the OUSA were managing the situation, although he did say resignation was not out of the question if there was a serious breach of trust. There had been some frustration about others picking up parts of Mr Groshinski's role, but there was also an understanding "that just [had] to happen''. Asked about Mr Park's concerns on communication, Mr White said exams meant it was an exhausting time of year and he trusted Critic to give a fair representation of the situation. In a personal capacity, he did not want to drive more attention to the matter and would rather Mr Groshinski be seen as a student running for council, instead of standing as an OUSA executive member. OUSA was unlikely to endorse a candidate for the election and would instead focus on educating students about the candidates, he said. In 2022, Mr Groshinski unsuccessfully ran for Dunedin mayor and council.
Otago Daily Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Nine city councillors confirm intention to seek re-election
Photo: ODT files Most Dunedin city councillors are hoping to return to the fray come October. Nine of the 15 Dunedin City Council members have said they will stand for re-election in this year's local government elections. Deputy mayor Cherry Lucas said she would stand as an independent candidate after first being elected to council in 2022. "I believe that this first term is like an apprenticeship," she said. "Even though I had previously worked for DCC many years ago, it takes a long time to get over [or] fully come up to speed on so many diverse areas. "I've invested a lot in council as it has in me and I think I owe it to the city to put my hand up again." For the moment, she said her focus was on the council's long-term-plan process. Cr Andrew Whiley also said he would run for council again as an independent candidate and thought it would be an "interesting and challenging election period". "I am deeply concerned about the level of toxicity already coming through on social media," he said. Cr Steve Walker said he planned to stand for council again and, "despite being constantly asked", would not contest the mayoralty. He and his fellow candidate, University of Otago student Jett Groshinski, had been endorsed by the Labour Party. "Running as a Labour-endorsed candidate gives the voting public a clear, unambiguous understanding of the values I bring to the table, rather than hiding those values under the opaque mask of 'independence'," Cr Walker said. Crs Christine Garey and Bill Acklin both said they would be running for council as independents. As well as standing for council, Crs Mandy Mayhem and Lee Vandervis said they would have a tilt at the mayoralty, as will incumbent mayor Jules Radich. Though widely expected to join the mayoral race, Cr Sophie Barker said she would not make a decision until the long-term-plan process was complete. In January, Cr Carmen Houlahan said she would run for council as an independent. Nominations open on July 4 and close August 1. The election will be held on October 11.
Otago Daily Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Labour endorsing candidates in DCC election
Incumbent Dunedin city councillor Steve Walker (right) and hopeful Jett Groshinski, pictured yesterday in George St, have been given Labour Party endorsement for the coming October local body elections for the Dunedin City Council. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH Labour has announced it is endorsing two candidates for the Dunedin City Council at this year's election. They are incumbent councillor Steve Walker and Jett Groshinski, who at present holds the post of political representative at the Otago University Students' Association (OUSA). A statement from the Labour Party yesterday said that there had been a "a robust and considered selection process". Cr Walker, who was first elected to the council in 2019, had served two successful terms as a Labour-endorsed councillor, the statement said. Mr Groshinski, a former mayoral and council candidate in the 2022 elections, was actively involved in community advocacy, with a focus on student wellbeing, accessible public transport and creating inclusive civic spaces, the statement said. "Southern Labour is confident that both candidates bring the experience, passion and progressive values needed to represent the diverse voices of Dunedin and build a fairer, more sustainable city for all," it said. In 2022, Labour endorsed Cr Walker and Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board chairwoman Joy Davis, who was unsuccessful in her bid to join the council. — APL
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Tory Whanau: Stepping Aside From Mayoralty Is Strategic, Not A Retreat
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says it's the right call to step aside from the mayoral race to contest the city's newly established Māori ward. Whanau cited a need for stronger Māori and Pacific representation and wanting to protect women and minorities from online abuse, while also avoiding a divisive campaign. Whanau framed her move as strategic, not a retreat, and she felt there was an urgent need to tackle online violence against minority candidates. Whanau, who made history as Wellington's first Māori mayor, says stepping down is the right decision for the city's future. 'There's some grief attached to this, right? Because I've cared very deeply about this role. But when I think about the longer term, and what's important – the kaupapa – this is the right call,' she told Pacific Mornings on 531pi. The decision marks an abrupt U-turn after Whanau earlier this month confirmed she would seek re-election [ in order to finish Wellington's ten-year plan. However, two weeks later, she announced her withdrawal – clearing the way for Labour-endorsed candidate Andrew Little to emerge as the frontrunner. Her withdrawal followed Little's confirmation that he had secured Labour's backing and intended to run a campaign with 'momentum already underway'. 'Wellington is looking for something different now, which is why I've entered the race,' Little says. "There's still four other candidates, so there is a campaign to be had and to win. I'm not letting up in terms of my effort and energy, and there's a lot of momentum underway already, so I keep going," he says. Whanau says she reflected deeply after Little's campaign launch and decided she did not want to split the progressive vote or risk a divisive battle between Labour and Green-aligned voters. 'I knew he had the support,' she says. 'So I thought, how can I better utilise my profile, my skills and my passions?' She says the move aligns with her long-term aspirations to work more directly with mana whenua and lead kaupapa Māori initiatives across council. 'I didn't want this to be a highly negative campaign between me and Andrew – Labour and the Greens – when actually we're probably going to fight for the same things,' Whanau says. 'I will clear the pathway for him to run a successful campaign. I will instead run for the Māori ward, and that really excites me.' Whanau also used her platform to call for greater protection for women and minority groups in politics, reflecting on the abuse she faced while mayor. 'We want the best people running for council – and they're not going to run if this behaviour doesn't change,' she says. 'My dream scenario is being elected to the Māori ward and working to create safer pathways for women and marginalised communities into politics.' Her departure leaves a noticeable gap in the diversity of mayoral candidates, with no women currently standing for the city's top job – a reflection, Whanau says, of the increasing hostility towards women leaders. 'It's turning people away. It's a tragedy because it impacts representation – it impacts democracy,' she says. Meanwhile, Whanau has a message for Wellington voters: 'There are some not nice characters on council. Have a look at who's running, who's got your best interests at heart – and get out and vote.' Reflecting on her three years as mayor, Whanau criticised the culture inside council. 'I want to start fighting on behalf of our people, because I think some people stand for local body for the wrong reasons – who potentially are just there to hurt others. That's not okay. That's not what democracy is about,' she says. She also points to her imbalance in media treatment during her time in office. 'It's been very imbalanced. I don't know why. It's been frustrating. To be frank, I'm looking forward to not having to deal with it again,' she says. Despite the challenges, Whanau says she remains committed to public service. 'This has been the hardest thing I've ever done. But it's certainly proved to me that no matter how hard it gets, this is the mahi that I love and that we'll continue doing.' Whanau's call for stronger Pacific representation comes as Wellington marks nearly 30 years without a Pacific councillor. The last Pacific representative was Tala Cleverley, who served on the Wellington City Council from 1979 to 1995 – becoming the first Pasifika person elected to local government in Aotearoa New Zealand.
