Dear Editor,
I am one of 13 Mayoral candidates in the Local Authority election for the Christchurch City Council. I took my policy brochure into The Press‘s office. I also sent my photograph to the editor Kamala Hayman. There was no response.
Two weeks later The Press published a story about a prospective candidate, Mr Daryl Park who at this stage had not been nominated. It also ran a story about Mr John Minto who had not been nominated either. Both were eventually nominated resulting in yet another story.
I complained. Kamala Hayman explained that Mr Park was more “newsworthy” as it was his first time. It was also Mr Minto’s second time. I pointed out that the Press had made Mr Park “newsworthy”.
The Press then referred to the incumbent Mayor Lianne Dalziel, Mr Parks and Mr Minto as “leading candidates”. These three were invited to a debate at “The Piano” (supported by The Press) on the basis that they were the top polling candidates. I complained as the poll was not independent. Kamala Hayman conceded that the poll was taken by the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce. They support Mr Park. My complaint to the media council was essentially brushed off.
Radio New Zealand then invited the same three candidates to attend their debate. Stuff ran an article notifying the public of the debate and did so using the words; “The Mayoral candidates … “, and not; “Some of the Mayoral candidates …. “. I complained to Kamala Hayman and await a reply.
I asked Radio New Zealand why I was not invited and was told, “for the obvious reason”. I asked what was the “obvious reason”, to which I have not been given an answer. I now await an OIA response to this and a number of other questions.
In my conversations with Radio New Zealand I was advised that they chose the candidates by asking community groups, business associations and the Council. Yes the Christchurch City Council. They should never have been asked.
I advised Radio New Zealand that if they were going to limit the debate to just three people it should have been done on a ballot. I was asked whether another candidate Tubby Hansen should be in the ballot and I said yes. I well remember Mr Minto screeching into his megaphone. I can’t see the difference.
There are sections of the media who are manipulating and denigrating the democratic process. Is this subversion? If anyone thinks that there is such a thing as free and fair elections in Christchurch then sadly you are not aware of what is going on.
I have spent a lot of time, money and effort on running for Mayor. Unless you are deemed to be a “leading candidate” then your chances are limited.
Yours sincerely,
Robin McCarthy
Christchurch Mayoral Candidate.
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