Kirk MacGibbon, Independent, Lambton Ward

'Vote Politically Incorrect'

New face, new ideas, new approaches

5 October 2001

MEDIA STATEMENT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOW TURNOUT PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY

Independent Lambton Ward Council candidate Kirk MacGibbon believes the current low turnout in the Lambton Ward could be the best possible scenario for younger voters to exercise some real influence on the election result.

"The majority of voters who get their votes in early are older, more conservative and less likely to make a change. They are also more likely to support the bypass," said Kirk MacGibbon.

Just over 20 percent of Lambton voters have got their votes in so far.

"The low turnout presents a huge opportunity for younger people to vote in candidates who are willing to fight for the things large numbers of Wellingtonians have said they don't want, but the current crop of councillors are going to give them anyway.

"Younger people have basically got a bum steer from this Council, and once this election is over, you can almost guarantee councillors interest in them will disappear for another couple of years."

11,000 people signed the petition for the Matterhorn in Cuba Street to be allowed to operate with higher noise levels.

"If everyone who signed that petition ensured that they voted, they would have an enormous impact on who was ultimately elected to Council," said Kirk MacGibbon.

People who have not received voting papers or who are not on the electoral roll can still vote. Those who are on the electoral roll but have not received their voting papers should call Wellington City Electoral officer Ross Bly on 801 3484 or the WCC main line on 499 4444 and have them sent to them. After Tuesday next week they should go down to Council and pick them up and deliver them back before 12 noon Saturday 13 October.

Those who wish to vote, but aren't on the roll will need to go down to a Post Shop and apply to be put on the roll. They can then go to Council and get voting papers.

"If young people don't get out and vote you can guarantee we'll have a bypass, more bars closing because developers are able to build apartments with inadequate soundproofing (but that do comply with the District Plan), and a half-hearted public transport system."

ENDS

For further information contact: Kirk MacGibbon 83 Wallace Street Mt Cook 0274 489 386

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