Editorial: Cup over, now for an election

So, it's finally over.

The Rugby World Cup has come to an end, and it's ended with just the sort of fairytale finish that most New Zealanders were hoping for - or at least those who are rugby fans anyway.

There have been a few people who chose not to embrace the Rugby World Cup while it was held here, but if the scenes of pure joy and celebration which played out in the wake of Sunday night's final and during yesterday's tickertape parade in Auckland are anything to go by, they were in the minority.

After 24 years of trying and failing, the All Blacks finally managed to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

Yes, it's only a sport.

Sure, it won't fix the country's economic problems, which will persist long after the World Cup hangovers have worn off.

But what the Rugby World Cup did provide was a lift in spirits, no matter how brief, to the people of a country that has endured more than its share of hard times recently.

From the Pike River mining disaster, to Canterbury's earthquakes, and more recently the stranding of the container ship Rena off the Bay of Plenty coast, we've had it tough of late.

Acknowledgment also needs to be given to Martin Snedden and all those involved in organising and running the tournament.

The consensus seems to be that New Zealand punched well above its weight in hosting an international event of this scale, and presented its best side to the rest of the world.

Just as we should be proud of the All Blacks, so we should also be proud of those who organised the Rugby World Cup - and giving ourselves a little pat on the back probably wouldn't hurt either.With the Rugby World Cup over, attention turns to the general election, now just a month away.

Today, the Chronicle kicks off its election coverage, with the first of our street profiles, designed to provide insight into the issues affecting Wanganui residents, as we count down to voting day.

Over the coming weeks, we will be profiling candidates, gauging the opinion of the public, keeping a close eye on the election campaigns and providing you with all the information you need to know before you cast your vote on November 26.

But we can't do it without you - if you have an election question for a candidate, a news tip, or even just an election-related query, do get in touch.

We can be contacted via elections@wanganuichronicle.co.nz.Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz.