Posted on 17-8-2004

Christine Fletcher Encouraged By Poll

A poll of 500 Aucklanders released on Tuesday 10 August showed that
Christine Fletcher is the only candidate having a realistic chance of
unseating incumbent Mayor John Banks.

The overall result of 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%. "These
authoritative poll results show I am the only serious challenger to John
Banks. Bruce Hucker should step aside from the Mayoral contest to ensure
John Banks can be ousted," said Christine Fletcher.

The poll shows that if Bruce Hucker were to stand aside, Chris would lead
Banks by two percentage points. However, in a two-way contest between
Bruce Hucker and John Banks, Joyhn Banks would win. “On this basis, I am
the only serious alternative to John Banks," Christine Fletcher said. "A
vote for Bruce Hucker is a vote for Banks." She said the poll showed there
was very strong base support for her because it was undertaken before her
hoardings went up around 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,” Christine Fletcher 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. "John Banks knows that he can beat Bruce Hucker. John Banks also
knows that he will lose to me. It's now critical that Bruce Hucker
realises that he cannot beat John Banks."