The People’s Choice calls for candidate nominations

The largest grouping of local body politicians in Christchurch, The People’s Choice (formerly Christchurch 2021), is formally calling for nominations of candidates to stand in this year’s local body elections. The People's Choice is seeking people committed to making their vision of a grassroots, local democracy-driven rebuild a reality.

Late last year the organisation called for expressions of interest and The People's Choice Chairperson, Paul McMahon, says, "We are pleased about the number and quality of people who have expressed interest in running with us so far. We feel that we've really hit the ground running, in terms of our preparation and organisation, and we are looking forward to a successful and positive campaign."

The group is seeking to embody a different model of local government: one that seeks to embrace local leadership and expertise by giving more power to community boards and the community. "There's a real sense out there that people are sick and tired of having things done to them, and we think it's vital for the recovery of the city that the people are given more power over the future direction of Christchurch.

"We're after candidates who are willing to get stuck-in, who share our values and who are serious about a return to local, democratic leadership of the rebuild and recovery," says McMahon.

The People’s Choice is calling for nominations for Christchurch City community boards, Council, Mayor and the Canterbury District Health Board.

The values, vision and constitution of The People's Choice are available at www.thepeopleschoice.org.nz.

ENDS

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Arguably Reassuring: Inspector-General Finds GCSB "Arguably" Legal

Of the 88 individuals:

• 15 cases involving 22 individuals did not have any information intercepted by GCSB.

• another four cases involving five individuals were the subjects of a New Zealand Security Intelligence Service warrant and the GCSB assisted in the execution of the warrants. The Inspector-General is of the view that there were arguably no breaches and the law is unclear.

• the Bureau only provided technical assistance which did not involve interception of communications, involving three of the individuals, so no breach occurred.

• the remaining cases involved the collection of metadata, and the Inspector-General formed the view that there had arguably been no breach, noting once again that the law is unclear.
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