As for the University of Otago being a hotbed of leftwing activism – that’s a myth. Obviously I’d like it if it was true! Interestingly, a colleague of mine made the following observation about general election voting on campus which I thought was quite revealing:

‘I saw the polling booth results from the last election in 2005 for the polling booth located in the Link [of the library/student union]. I was shocked to see how many votes National got in that polling booth. I also went to a gay dance that election night evening where there was anouncement that labour had got the majority and hell I was doubly shocked that there was a mass of ‘boos’ and it wasnt because the Greens and the Maori party got only a little bit.’

So forget all the stereotypes about students or the gay community being either predominantly leftwing or Labour voting.

Bryce
http://www.liberation.org.nz

Though on the subject of who will get the list seat, in terms of length of service it should be Powel, but Woodhouse might be handy to National in helping with health policy, and probably has a bigger profile in Dunedin than Powel

Although if the Edinburgh of the south goes the way of its northern counterpart we can expect to see the Socialists suffer in election 08 Maybe not enough to topple them but still a severe wounding Lvely gubbly

Also had the National candidate, Conway Powel knock on my door the other day. Really good to see an aspiring MP going back to the grassroots of NZ politics – actually taking the time to knock on doors and talk to people.

Or does this refer to something else?

I would have thought that historically Christchurch would be the most leftwing city in New Zealand. It’s certainly has the strongest traditions of leftwing activity and politics.

Bryce
http://www.liberation.org.nz

[DPF: Fair points. In some ways Dunedin is conservative but strong Labour voting which is what I was referring to. Christchurch does have a strong activist base but I suppose Chch is a more diverse city politically with Nat areas and Labour areas. In Dunedin I doubt there are any real Nat areas - maybe Maori Hill?]

But its also a university city and creates probably lots of Roger Nomes etc that are very left out!!

and this is the philosophical difference in Nationals benefits policy they are helping want to improve the situations of beneficiaries as Labour want to take more wealth of hard earners and give it out freely lunch style to beneficaries with no sense of obligation ever given- this “familiarity breeds contempt”

There was standing room only for the launch at the Robbie Burns and the quote of the day came from Powell with his definition of the Knowledge Wave – waving goodbye to our knowledgable graduates as they leave for better opportunities overseas.