Damn Aro hippies

I haven't really been enthused enough to talk politics on here in the last few weeks - despite the rapidly approaching elections! So far its just been a little same old-same old for my liking. But I do live in a neighbourhood where there is a relatively high amount of activism, so I thought I would take a look at what has been happening around these parts.

There was the now infamous 'meet the candidates' event in the living room of a flat down Aro St, but apart from that it has actually been the minor parties who have been loudest.

During the last City Council elections, I only received propaganda from the Greens, and as I result (and due to the poor selection of candidates) I gave my '1' vote to them for the City ward.

Now given the area I currently live in has a reputation for being a lefty/greeny haven, it's no great surprise that I get stuff from the Greens - but obviously with the developments down Aro St the right also seem to be thinking this is fertile ground.

We're four weeks into the campaign and this is what I have got so far and the number of hoardings they have in the valley:

Greens: 2 pamphlets, 0 direct mail, 4 hoardings
ACT: 2 pamphlets, 1 direct mail, 1 hoarding
National: 1 pamphlet, 0 direct mail, 3 hoardings
Labour: 0 pamphlets, 0 direct mail, 2 hoardings
Alliance: 0 pamphlets, 0, direct mail, 1 Hoarding
Workers Party: 1 painted sheet with logo (where else would you find that?)

Early days, but I think I might need to reassess my voting habits! The hard-right hippies might have a difficult choice??

Update: This week we have the more official Aro Valley Meet the Candidates at the Community Centre (Tues 14 Oct at 7pm), but it does clash with the Shepherds Quiz so doubt I'll be there.