Posted on 10-8-2004

Chris Fletcher Only Serious Contender

"Authoritative poll results released today show that I am the only serious
challenger to incumbent Mayor John Banks. I call on Bruce Hucker to step
aside from the Mayoral contest to ensure that Banks can be ousted," said
former Mayor Chris Fletcher, who is seeking re-election to the Auckland
Mayoralty.

The poll, undertaken independently by Reid Research Services Ltd, showed
Banks on 32.2% of the vote, Chris Fletcher close behind on 25.6% , and
Bruce Hucker a distant third on 14.6%.

"More significantly, the poll shows that ifBruce Hucker were to stand
aside, I would lead Banks by two percentage points. On this basis, Bruce
Hucker has to consider withdrawing from the race, in the interests of
getting rid of Banks," she said. "A vote for Bruce Hucker is a vote for
Banks."

Chris said that the poll result showed that there was very strong base
support for her in that the poll was undertaken before her hoardings went
up over the city, and before any widespread leafleting or advertising of
her candidacy. "Bruce Hucker has had the advantage of three years as
leader of the opposition group on the Council, and has had ample
opportunity to demonstrate his leadership and standing as a serious
Mayoral contender in this role,” Chris said. “That he has not been able to
capitalise on this should tell him that he should focus his energies on
winning his Council seat and to pull out of the Mayoral race."

She said that Banks has been playing up Bruce Hucker's candidacy as a
serious threat because he knows the importance of splitting the opposition
vote. "Banks knows that he can beat Hucker. Banks also knows that he will
lose to me. It's now critical that Hucker realises that he cannot beat
Banks, and withdraws now".