Update - October 2022:
Hello Auckland - time for some honest self-awareness.
The goal of being the Auckland Mayor-Elect for 2022 was a failure. Less votes than in 2019.
From research garnered across various portals on social media, reading opinions from political commentators, along with feedback received directly, it seems that I was hit hard by the "Anyone But Labour" - the anti-vote.
However, the few Aucklanders that did actually vote decided to go for my opponent as a strategic choice.
There was also another issue - promises of specific support and decent funding never came to fruition, handshake deals that never eventuated. I tend to be like an elephant though - I don't forget such things.
I had to run the campaign on the donations of the supporters rather than from the large backers. That’s a massive part of how campaigns are won and lost - the advertising spend. The lack of funds killed the majority of the planned advertising.
So where to from here?
I've had a lot of comment that I should run again, I will only do that if said funding is secured early.
I've also had people in my ear suggesting I run for Central Government with a party - I'm unsure on that. I feel I can achieve results locally, whereas in Central, as an elected or list MP, I would simply be a patsy.
If I get approached it would need to be a convincing sell. There's still a lot of thinking to be done.
Meanwhile, I have a job to do. I will be a Council watchdog. I will be keeping an eye and ear on the Mayor, Councillors, Local Boards, CCO’s, and departments. I’ll be reporting back to the population on my findings - good or bad.
You can keep an eye on this website, I’ll be writing for The Daily Examiner, and firing my podcast back up. You’ll also find me on social media.
So check back in, things are going to get interesting.
Craig.
The goal of being the Auckland Mayor-Elect for 2022 was a failure. Less votes than in 2019.
From research garnered across various portals on social media, reading opinions from political commentators, along with feedback received directly, it seems that I was hit hard by the "Anyone But Labour" - the anti-vote.
However, the few Aucklanders that did actually vote decided to go for my opponent as a strategic choice.
There was also another issue - promises of specific support and decent funding never came to fruition, handshake deals that never eventuated. I tend to be like an elephant though - I don't forget such things.
I had to run the campaign on the donations of the supporters rather than from the large backers. That’s a massive part of how campaigns are won and lost - the advertising spend. The lack of funds killed the majority of the planned advertising.
So where to from here?
I've had a lot of comment that I should run again, I will only do that if said funding is secured early.
I've also had people in my ear suggesting I run for Central Government with a party - I'm unsure on that. I feel I can achieve results locally, whereas in Central, as an elected or list MP, I would simply be a patsy.
If I get approached it would need to be a convincing sell. There's still a lot of thinking to be done.
Meanwhile, I have a job to do. I will be a Council watchdog. I will be keeping an eye and ear on the Mayor, Councillors, Local Boards, CCO’s, and departments. I’ll be reporting back to the population on my findings - good or bad.
You can keep an eye on this website, I’ll be writing for The Daily Examiner, and firing my podcast back up. You’ll also find me on social media.
So check back in, things are going to get interesting.
Craig.
