Mt Albert

Despite all the slings and arrows of national politics, Prime Minister Helen Clark remains iron-clad in Mt Albert.

Her 21-year hold on the seat - Labour since being formed in 1946 - leaves local rivals little stomach to milk controversies over genetic modification and charity artwork to question her integrity.



The electorate is not immune from population pressures. House prices have rocketed and older residents have moved out to retirement homes.

It has a big stock of rental housing and shares with Auckland Central the distinction of the country's second youngest voting-age population, with a median of 37 years.



Helen Clark more than doubled her majority to 13,108 in 1999, but has an army of canvassers trying to lift Labour's 51 per cent party vote. Latest changes removed New Windsor but she is pleased to regain Kingsland.

Her nine rivals include social service agency supervisor Raewyn Bhana (National), education union president Jill Ovens (Alliance), anti-GM coalition spokesman Jon Carapiet (Greens), computer professional Bruce Williams (Act) and community board activist Gillian Dance (Progressive Alliance) and Iranian journalist Hassan Hosseini for United Future.

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