Statement from Hon John Banks QSO

18 August 2004

Half hearted response from ginger groups

"I am disappointed that the anti-Eastern Transport Corridor ginger groups don't seem to have the courage of their convictions," Auckland City Mayor Hon John Banks said today.

Mr Banks said the announcement that STEM and the Hobson Bay Residents Network will amalgamate and put up a few council and community board candidates for the upcoming local body elections is good news for open discussion and robust debate. He is highly critical, however, that they not standing a mayoral candidate.

"Not putting up a mayoral candidate is nothing less than a cop-out. I was looking forward to debating anywhere, anytime all the issues around the Eastern Corridor with their mayoral candidate.

"Their reluctance to enter the mayoral race demonstrates they are only half-hearted with their objectives," said Mr Banks.

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