1989 Christchurch mayoral election

Summary

The 1989 Christchurch mayoral election was part of the New Zealand local elections held that same year. In 1989, election were held for the Mayor of Christchurch plus other local government positions. The polling was conducted using the standard first-past-the-post electoral method.

1989 Christchurch mayoral election

← 1986 14 October 1989 1992 →
Turnout121,295 (60.37%)
 
Candidate Vicki Buck Morgan Fahey Margaret Murray
Party Independent United Citizens Christchurch Action
Popular vote 63,025 30,662 25,387
Percentage 51.96 25.27 20.92

Mayor before election

Hamish Hay

Elected Mayor

Vicki Buck

Background edit

Sitting Mayor Hamish Hay retired and was succeeded by Labour Party councillor Vicki Buck who became Christchurch's first female mayor.[1]

There was deadlock on the city council with a four-way split in its membership. The Labour Party won a plurality of seats with eight seats, the United Citizens won seven, the new Christchurch Action ticket with six seats and the remaining three seats won by independent candidates. Prior to the election there was a schism on the right wing Citizens' Association resulting in two conservative tickets running against each other.[2] Christchurch Action was set up, comprising former councillors from districts that merged with the city as part of the 1989 local government reforms.[3]

Results edit

The following table gives the election results:

1989 Christchurch mayoral election[1][4]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Independent Vicki Buck 63,025 51.96
United Citizens Morgan Fahey 30,662 25.27
Christchurch Action Margaret Murray 25,387 20.92
McGillicuddy Serious Craig Young 882 0.72
Economic Euthenics Tubby Hansen 402 0.33 -1.72
Informal votes 937 0.77 -0.62
Majority 32,363 26.68
Turnout 121,295 60.37

Ward results edit

Candidates were also elected from wards to the Christchurch City Council.[5]

Party/ticket Councillors
Labour 8
United Citizens 7
Christchurch Action 6
Independent 3

References edit

  1. ^ a b Forrester, Kay (16 October 1989). "Chch elects first woman as Mayor". The Press. p. 1.
  2. ^ Forrester, Kay (16 October 1989). "Split council still to set battle lines". The Press. p. 1.
  3. ^ Scanlon, Sean; Crean, Mike (24 April 2004). "Cutting their ties; Two parties in control". The Press. p. D11.
  4. ^ "Mayoralty figures". The Press. 16 October 1989. p. 3.
  5. ^ "Christchurch City Council". The Press. 16 October 1989. p. 4.