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# A Rock and a Hard Place
- URL: https://goodoil.news/a-rock-and-a-hard-place/
- Published: 2022-06-16T20:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-07-17T16:56:59.000Z
- Author: Cam Slater
- Tags: NZ, NZ Politics, Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2024-07-16 23:04

S*tuff* have confirmed that either Aucklanders don’t have a clue who the plethora of mayoral candidates are or if they do they have [a choice between a Giant Douche or a Turd Sandwich](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douche%5Fand%5FTurd?ref=goodoil.news). Auckland voters are [between a rock and a hard place.](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300614073/watch-how-many-aucklanders-recognise-their-2022-mayoral-candidates?ref=goodoil.news)

> With the Auckland mayoral election fast approaching, the candidates have spent months campaigning across the city – aiming to push their policies and attract prospective voters.  
>  
> *Stuff* spoke to 100 residents across Otara, Ponsonby, Titirangi and Takapuna to measure how well the nine candidates had done at familiarising themselves with the public \[*sic*\].  
>  
> The experiment involved bringing a board with printed photos of each candidate and asking people on the streets whether they recognised them.  
>  
> In south Auckland’s Otara, residents seemed pretty confident in identifying one candidate in particular – [Manukau ward councillor Efeso Collins](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/128778803/mayoral-candidate-efeso-collins-wants-an-auckland-office-in-the-capital?ref=goodoil.news).  
>  
> Out of 25 people approached, 11 identified the councillor.  
>  
> Two people recognised [New Conservative co-leader Ted Johnston](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/128691085/auckland-mayoralty-ted-johnston-wants-to-paint-harbour-bridge-blue?ref=goodoil.news), while another confused him for National Party leader Christopher Luxon. One person identified [former Headquarters Bar owner Leo Molloy](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/128612460/auckland-mayoralty-leo-molloy-expects-to-spend-15-million-on-campaign?ref=goodoil.news).  
>  
> Molloy had more recognition in central Auckland’s Ponsonby, where 12 out of 25 people surveyed knew who he was.  
>  
> Meanwhile, five people identified [Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/128728295/auckland-mayoralty-viv-beck-wants-to-use-bus-cycle-lane-fund-to-reduce-road-congestion?ref=goodoil.news).  
>  
> “Are they forming a political party?” one resident asked when shown the board of candidates.  
>  
> Collins was recognised by seven people, while [Wayne Brown](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/128195457/auckland-mayoralty-wayne-brown-confirms-he-will-run?ref=goodoil.news), the chairperson of Auckland District Health Board, was recognised by three residents. [Videographer Craig Lord](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/128380366/auckland-mayoralty-craig-lord-wants-to-get-back-to-core-business?ref=goodoil.news) also got a mention.  
>  
> Of 25 residents approached in Titirangi, Molloy and Collins were both identified by five, while Brown was recognised by one – as was Lord. Johnston got three mentions.  
>  
> One resident identified animal advocate Dr Michael Morris – because he used to work with him.  
>  
> “I had no idea he was running,” the resident said.  
>  
> Finally, in Takapuna, three candidates were recognised: Collins, Beck and Molloy. Eight people recognised Molloy, the most of the three, while Beck got four mentions and Collins got five.  
>  
> Of all the candidates, **Collins was the most recognised, with 28% of those approached being able to identify him.**  
>  
> **Molloy was second-most recognised at 26% and Beck took the bronze, with a 9% recognition rate.**  
>  
> Johnston and Brown took fourth and fifth place with 6% and 5% respectively.  
>  
> Stuff

A bunch of also rans and ne’er-do-wells is all that Auckland has to put up as candidates for mayor. It really is a choice between a Giant Douche or a Turd Sandwich. The only difficulty is deciding which is which.

Can’t hardly wait for the debates.

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