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Christchurch MP Megan Woods helps launch a policy of The People’s Choice, a Labor-aligned group of candidates for Christchurch local government.
A policy announcement from a Christchurch group of Labor-aligned candidates for local government was bolstered by the presence of Labor Secretary Megan Woods and two other MPs.
Several members of The People’s Choice, which is aligned with Labor, gathered in Wycola Park in Hei Hei on Sunday to announce the group’s “Creating Living Streets” policy.
Along with Woods, Banks Peninsula MP Tracey McLellan and MP Dan Rosewarne were off the list.
The new policy promises to return streets to taxpayers by restoring roads and footpaths; slowing down traffic; planting trees; and building street seats and small parks.
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A handful of The People’s Choice candidates on Sunday, including Riccarton ward nominee Tyla Harrison-Hunt (left) and central ward councilor Jake McLellan (second from left).
Kim Moss, who represents The People’s Choice in Hornby, said there were dangerous roads, unsafe footpaths and a lack of parks in Hornby, Hillmorton, Linwood, New Brighton, Wainoni and Burwood.
“Our communities need to be empowered to reclaim their streets,” she said.
Woods said she attended the policy announcement to support “a bunch of great local candidates connected to their communities.”
She said she hadn’t decided who would get her vote for Christchurch mayor, but that she would follow the race with interest and make a decision like everyone else.
The People’s Choice has not approved a candidate for mayor.
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Hornby city council candidate Kim Moss says The People’s Choice candidates will work with communities to return streets to them.
The group has significant influence in local Christchurch politics.
It has seven members on the current Christchurch City Council: Andrew Turner, Jimmy Chen, Anne Galloway, Jake McLellan, Pauline Cotter, Yani Johanson and Melanie Coker.
Turner, Chen and Galloway are not aiming for reelection in October.
The People’s Choice announced three other policies last month: Getting Christchurch’s long-awaited light rail project back on track, helping the Garden City earn its title, and free pool access for children under 16.
Woods said Labor has not provided funding to The People’s Choice candidates, but would not rule it out.
“Traditionally, I know in the Wigram electorate, we will be holding fundraisers for members of our electorate who run for local elections and help support them, that’s what being part of a team is like,” she said.
Woods said she has helped in every local election since she came to parliament.
“It’s about being part of a team, we are completely transparent about who that team is, and I will support my team members, who I will ask next year to support me in my election as well.”