Veteran leftists contest ward election

A big tussle is under way for the Super City ward of Albert-Eden-Roskill with confirmation that City Vision's Dr Cathy Casey and Glenda Fryer will lock horns with Citizens and Ratepayers' Christine Fletcher and Paul Goldsmith.

Dr Casey and Mrs Fryer are City Vision's most vocal Auckland City councillors, and the first candidates chosen by the left-wing ticket to contest the Super City elections on October 9.

They have represented the Eden-Albert ward on the council for six and nine years respectively, and are experienced campaigners who will test the popularity of Mrs Fetcher after a nine-year absence from council politics and the mettle of Mr Goldsmith, a Remuera resident who failed to get the C&R nod for Orakei.

Mr Goldsmith is the most right-wing councillor on the council. Dr Casey is the most left-wing.

The Albert-Eden-Roskill ward is an odd mix of liberal voters in Mt Eden and the religious right in Mt Roskill, making it a C&R stronghold under the powerful figure of David Hay, who is retiring at the elections.

It is one of the quirks of Auckland politics that C&R has a stranglehold on Mt Roskill at local body elections, but Labour holds sway come general elections.

The sale of Monte Cecilia primary school to make way for parkland - a project spearheaded by Mr Hay with backing from C&R and Mayor John Banks - is shaping as a big election issue in the ward.

Disgruntled parents and teachers who have formed Friends of Monte are demanding explanations from Mrs Fletcher and Mr Goldsmith about the $25 million to $30 million project, which includes building a new school about 1km away on land at St John Vianney Church in Hillsborough Rd.

Dr Casey and Mrs Fryer support keeping the school within the park.

Independent Auckland City councillor Mark Donnelly is also thinking of standing for the Albert-Eden-Roskill ward.