Action Hobson

Action Hobson were a centrist council ticket in the Hobson Ward of Auckland City, New Zealand. They were formed to combat the proposed Eastern Transport Corridor by then Mayor of Auckland City, John Banks (New Zealand), and his supporting Citizens and Ratepayers Now (Centre-right) bloc.

History

In the October 2004 election, Action Hobson were successful in electing two Councillors, Christine Caughey and Richard Simpson and a majority on the local Hobson Community Board. They then joined the left wing led "consultative group" of new Mayor Dick Hubbard, and the larger left wing City Vision and Labour tickets, giving the numbers to kill the proposed expressway across Hobson Bay.

After the 2004 election, Action Hobson's two councillors came under significant criticism for breaking their promises on Council rates. In the 2004 election, they promised to be conservative and cap rates to inflation. However, the Action Hobson support for City Vision saw rates increases of 9.7% in 2005 and 13.2% in 2006, causing a backlash with voters.

Action Hobson also placed an emphasis on heritage policy as a part of their broad direction.

In the October 2007 election, Action Hobson's candidates were all defeated, as part of a broad swing to the centre-right.