Election candidate praises opponent

Green MP Mike Ward is pointing out the advantages of voting for rival Labour candidate Jen McCutcheon as he launches his election campaign today.

While not going so far as to back Ms McCutcheon, Mr Ward said he didn't expect to win the Nelson seat and was happy to see Ms McCutcheon take it.

The Green Party is not campaigning to win any electorate seats. It is standing candidates, but they will focus on raising the party vote for the Greens.

"Labour has got a good candidate in Jen McCutcheon. It's the first time they've put up someone with real appeal to this electorate. I think if anybody can take the local seat, it's Jen," Mr Ward said.

But Ms McCutcheon, a former Post Primary Teachers Association president, has a battle ahead of her to take the seat from National MP Nick Smith, who is seeking his sixth term in Parliament.

Mr Ward said voters should realise that Dr Smith, sitting fifth on the National party list, was likely to make it to Parliament regardless of whether he won the Nelson seat.

Mr Ward is eighth on the Green's list and the party currently has nine MPs in Parliament.

Dr Smith was dismissive of Mr Ward's comments.

"This is the courting of post-election coalitions," he said. "I'm not sure it will make that much difference to voting."

- nzpa