Internal wrangling upsets NZ First's Auckland team

By THERESA GARNER

A clash of personalities is rocking the New Zealand First machine in Auckland, and threatening the party's fragile support base across the city.

Insiders are angry at the high list ranking of political chameleon Gilbert Myles, and privately say they do not want him in Parliament.

Terry Hewlett, Auckland South-East chairman, would not comment on Mr Myles' 10th placing, but said many party faithful were unhappy at the demotion of loyalists.

"I personally am not impressed nor happy with the placing of our two existing MPs Robyn McDonald and Jenny Bloxham."

Mr Hewlett said the NZ First executive would not look favourably on him for speaking out: "I'm going to be dead. But I have no concerns about that at all, because I think that some of us have to have some free speech in this country."

Party president Doug Woolerton said the list was not open for question, and any chairpeople who spoke out were "irresponsible."

Adding to the ructions, Mrs Bloxham has accused Mr Myles of breaking party rules by openly lobbying for his own promotion, and the demotion of herself and Robyn McDonald.

Mr Myles, who did not respond to messages, has pledged to remain loyal to NZ First, and its leadership.

An Auckland party insider, who would not be named, said Mr Myles had "engineered his own friendly crowd" to support his high ranking. "I would be horrified if NZ First got around 10 per cent of the vote, and Gilbert was heading off down to Wellington."

Mr Woolerton said complaints were "party business" and he was not aware of a breach of the rules.

Mr Myles pledged allegiance to four parties while MP for Roskill from 1990 to 1993.

Ranked 15th on the NZ First list last election, he returned to Parliament last year after successfully fighting a disloyalty charge brought after retiring Independent MP Deborah Morris taped him talking about supporting the National minority Government instead of NZ First in opposition. He is standing in Maungakiekie.

The latest New Zealand Herald-DigiPoll put NZ First's support at 5.5 per cent, which would translate to seven seats.

Mr Hewlett said the Auckland campaign was the hardest so far.

In 1996 the party polled 10 per cent in the region, against 13.4 per cent nationwide.

"We've got a number of very good candidates. I support them entirely in their efforts, and I'm sad that obviously their job is made a little harder by what has occurred just recently."

Mr Hewlett said other loyalists had been unfairly treated, naming Albany candidate Joy Brett, ranked at 35, and Epsom candidate Brent Catchpole, at 30.