Chamber Compares Attitudes of Wellington City Council Mayoral Candidates

The Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce has released the results of its recent survey of Wellington City Council mayoral candidates and will give candidates an opportunity to elaborate on their views to a business audience at a Chamber hosted candidates forum on 12 September.

"The survey was designed to explore candidates' views on key actions and policies which we believe will enhance Wellington as a good city to do business in," said Chamber CEO Charles Finny. The responses give a clear indication of candidates' attitudes to business.

"The survey was sent to all 11 Mayoral candidates. Eight candidates replied by our deadline. Two candidates said not enough time was given and so would not submit a response. One did not give a response or explanation.

"Our initial analysis, which involved a comparison of the candidates' responses to policy positions listed in the Chamber's policy manifesto, suggests that the responses of Kerry Prendergast are the most business friendly followed reasonably closely by Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Rob Goulden and John McGrath.

"The least business friendly Mayoral candidate would appear to be Nick Kelly (although we are pleased that he supports Transmission Gully) with Bryan Pepperell, Helene Ritchie and Nick Wang a little bit more business friendly. It will be interesting to see on Election Day how many voters share Nick Kelly's vision of a world so divided between capitalists and workers.

"We are disappointed that three of the candidates were unable to find the time to answer these straightforward questions. The Mayoral role is an enormously busy one, with the incumbent Mayor still finding the time to complete her Mayoral duties and complete our survey. We have also received much positive comment from candidates on how useful completing this survey has been for focussing on the key issues, and on how best to articulate positions on these.

"Support for the rating differential (whereby business rate-payers pay more per dollar of rateable property) is a good bellwether of degree of business friendliness. This is particularly pertinent noting the recommendation of the central government inquiry to abolish the rating differential.

Mr Finny emphasised that the Chamber wants to support a set of sound policies which will enhance the local business environment. It does not intend to endorse a particular candidate.

"We have also surveyed councillor candidates for Wellington City and Wellington Regional Council and will analyse these in due course," Mr Finny concluded.

The candidates' full responses are available on the Chamber website http://www.wellingtonchamber.co.nz/default.asp?sectionID=309 http://www.wellingtonchamber.co.nz/policy/local%20government%20elections

ENDS

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