Information
Opinion
In every area New Zealand is a mess under Ardern’s socialist leadership. The love I have for my country keeps my interest in local and national politics. It is valuable to do a little research and read The BFD to be aware of the direction New Zealand is going.
Curiosity got the better of me as I watched the Auckland mayoralty race. I noticed a woman among the group of the highest polling men. Previously I recalled hearing a few interviews with Viv Beck in her role as CEO of Auckland’s Central Business Association, Heart of the City, but knew nothing more. She was getting quite good results in the polls.
Hosking said on his programme recently that the following questions were put to the main candidates. Do you agree with co-governance, more pedestrianisation and cycle ways? Wayne Brown and Efeso Collins said “yes” to all three. Viv Beck said “no” to all three. No doubt that will be a turn-off for some voters, but now she has taken a strong stance against co-governance, that will be attractive to many voters.
Beck, who is standing on a pro-business centre-right platform, has previously outlined her position on co-governance to the Herald. She said she does not support co- governance over national assets like water, which give equal say to Maori on an undemocratic basis, but is comfortable with Treaty settlements that have come with co-management.
“Co-governance now is extremely divisive, and people have no say and I think it is concerning them.”
NZ Herald
Beck followed up with this advertisement:
My curiosity went up a notch as Viv Beck has changed her position on co-governance.
Five weeks ago, Beck responded broadly in favour of co-governance.
Radio Waatea
Mike Hutcheson, her advertising advisor, however didn’t like the bold advertising. He has parted ways with the Back Beck team, alleging he didn’t like her “Trump playbook” tactics. He has walked away as taking the opportunity to ‘attack’ her rivals on this online advertisement was too much.
Beck has since signed up with social media contractor The Campaign Company and its creative boss Dylan Parshotam. The company is owned by Jordan Williams, who heads the Taxpayers’ Union. Parshotam previously worked for Topham Guerin, which did political communications for the British Conservative Party in the general election and worked for the Liberal Party in Australia. Hutcheson however says he worked for both National and Labour.
This is not a Trump campaign, but it is very important election for Auckland and the messages need to be firm. The campaign team made the decision to move to a strong online presence at this stage of the campaign, highlighting issues that are important to many people across the regions. Beck said the online advertisement has been removed.
The reason for the back pedalling is unclear. But her changed stance on this issue has been noted.
Beck’s background:
Beck is a first-generation Kiwi after her parents emigrated from Europe. She is a co-author of the book Julia makes her first move – first steps into leadership (2007), is married to Paul Quinn (NZ Maori rugby captain and National MP), has owned a small business, loves sport and has fostered children. She has a journalism diploma and a BA in Economics. She has worked in previous governance positions and senior roles in large companies in both private and not-for-profit sectors.
The writer of this article is an unabashed right winger who is watching Auckland’s mayoral race but is not an Auckland resident or voter. It is important to investigate why Beck seems to be getting right up the lefties’ noses, now that Molloy has gone.
Her clothes and an allegedly unpaid bill have been highlighted in the left-wing Herald. The target has shifted from Molloy to Beck. There are cries from right-wingers for Beck to pull out of the race as she will split the conservative vote. The pressure is on as Collins, the Labour candidate looks likely to win.
Beck appears to be intentionally after the conservative vote. On this issue is she on target?
Discuss.
