20 September 2004

*Porirua's first campaign web site launched*

The first ever web site for a Porirua election campaign was launched today (Monday). The site is for Councillor Robert Shaw and sets out his policy and information on some candidates.

Campaign websites are common in local government campaigns around New Zealand, but not so much around Wellington.

Les Brown in Manukau City has a very extensive site that was professionally built for his mayoral bid.

Garry Jackson at Hurunui, and Teresa Stevenson in Dunedin have detailed sites.

However it is in Wanganui that the battle of the web sites rages, with sites by John Martin, Michael Laws, Pamela Peterson and Lyanne Kerr.

The Natural Law party has a site for its local government candidates around the country.

Launching the site, Shaw's campaign manager Dr Ruth Bradwell said an effort has been made to provide some humour for the Porirua site as well as policy.

"Our team felt the campaign needed to lighten up and be less serious - many candidates take themselves to seriously." Dr Bradwell said.

Cr Shaw said it was important the details of policy were provided and the internet provided the means to do this in a cost effective way.

Cr Shaw said he was approached by several companies that wanted to build candidates a site, but he built the site himself and did not see the need to employ a professional.

Cr Shaw's website is www.robertshaw.orcon.net.nz

ENDS

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