Why does the Christian Right Maxim Institute’s Nzvotes programme seem to be in such a mess?

Take a look at its candidate selection meetings, for example. On its main website, the Maxim Institute said it would hold fifteen such meetings, yet only those in Central Auckland, Pukekohe, Whangarei, Rotorua, Helensville and Christchurch (the only South Island candidate meeting to date) are currently listed on nzvotes.

And speaking of its Central Auckland meeting, either circumstances or strategy appear to have forced a hurried change of plan when it came to that inaugural event. Originally, the Greenlane Christian Centre (Manurewa) appeared to be the venue for the meeting, until last week. Indeed, current and former Maxim Institute female staffers turned up to host a seminar for the GCC’s “Girlfriends” women’s network on the electoral system on September 6th.

However, during last week, things went pear-shaped. The Greenlane Christian Centre may have become uncomfortable at being in the spotlight, considering its role during the last general election, or there may have simply been a venue clash. Moreover, the Institute may have realised that Phil Goff was far too fearsome to be allowed to dominate any candidate meeting, especially given that lacklustre, weak National List MP Richard Worth, Judy Turner (UFNZ) and Richard Lewis (Family Party) were nowhere near his match in Parliament.

For whatever reason, the Auckland Executive Forum is going to co-host the first Nzvotes candidate meeting, now scheduled for September 17. This organisation appears to consist primarily of Auckland area business and professional women, and the current advertised MPs are Judith Tizard (Labour), Sue Bradford (Greens), Judy Turner (United Future) and Heather Roy (ACT). AEF doesn’t seem particularly socially conservative, although I see that it has invited Parents Inc’s Ian Grant along to speak to them. Judging from the audience, Heather Roy will do her best there, although Sue Bradford’s social policy strengths also shouldn’t be under-estimated.

Meanwhile, what are we to make of the other organised events, where the venues have mostly been finalised, but not the listed speakers? Either the speakers have not been finalised, or they have been, and the Institute is trying to play its cards close to its chests, aware that it is under surveillance.

Anyway…

Recommended:

Maxim Institute: http://www.maxim.org.nz

NZVotes: http://www.nzvotes.org

Meeting:

Dinner and debate for women
Date: Wednesday, 17 September
Time: 6pm
Venue: Parnells on the Rose Garden, 85 Gladstone Road, Parnell
Cost: $55

ACT: Heather Roy
Green: Sue Bradford
Labour: Judith Tizard
United Future: Judy Turner