National not safe in Botany

13 January 2010

PRESS RELEASE: Botany by-election candidate - Penny Bright

"Reported comments from Prime Minister John Key, suggesting that Botany is a safe National seat, may be a little premature," says judicially-recognised 'Public Watchdog' on Metrowater, water and Auckland regional governance matters, Penny Bright.

"May I respectfully suggest that the voting public of the Botany electorate are not 'taken for granted'?

Perhaps John Key needs to be reminded that the highest voting candidate in Auckland Council's Howick ward (which covers the Botany electorate), was Sharon Stewart, who successfully stood as a politically non-aligned 'Independent'."

"Sharon Stewart received 23,716 votes compared to Jami-Lee Ross, who got 19,289 votes, despite his theoretical advantage of both the Citizens and Ratepayers and National Party electorate 'machines'."

Former Auckland Mayoral candidate Penny Bright will be standing on an 'anti-corruption' platform' for genuine transparency and accountability in local and central government and within the New Zealand judiciary.

"National Party MP Pansy Wong, left under a murky, corrupt cloud involving 'misuse of public office for private gain.'

My commonsense 'systemic' solution to the problem of MPs 'conduct' is a 'Code of Conduct' for MPs - with clear guidelines and sanctions for breaches thereof," continued Ms Bright.

"As New Zealand is 'perceived' to be the 'least corrupt country in the world' (along with Singapore and Denmark) according to Transparency International's 'Corruption Perception Index', why do New Zealand MPs responsible for 'making the rules' for everybody else - not already have a 'Code of Conduct' for themselves?"

"I intend to hold at least three public meetings in the Botany electorate, in February, covering 'conflicts of interest', 'corrupt practices' and the lack of genuine transparency and accountability in both local and central government and within the judiciary."

"Having now attended two significant 'anti-corruption' International Conferences, (the Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference 2009); and the recent Transparency International 14th International Anti-Corruption Conference 2010), it is my considered opinion that the information provided at these public meetings will be politically 'explosive'".

ENDS

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