Green’s Chloe Swarbrick in Tight Race for Auckland Central, New Poll Reveals

Green’s Chloe Swarbrick in Tight Race for Auckland Central, New Poll Reveals

Chloe Swarbrick Holding On To Auckland Central Seat

A recent poll by Taxpayers’ Union-Curia presents a tight race for the Auckland Central seat, currently held by Green Party’s Chlöe Swarbrick. The poll revealed a slim lead for Swarbrick, with National’s candidate Mahesh Muralidhar closely tailing her. Labour’s Oscar Sims was found to be trailing significantly in the race. Interestingly, 29% of the polled residents are yet to make up their minds.

Law and Order Top Concern for Voters

The poll also highlighted the key issues troubling the electorate. A majority (33%) of the surveyed participants considered law and order to be their primary concern. This could potentially be a result of a recent string of high-profile crimes in the region. Other issues of concern included the cost of living, housing, and public transport.

Preference for Political Parties

When it comes to party preferences, National leads with 30% of the votes, followed by Labour (21%) and Greens (19%). However, a significant proportion of participants, approximately 17%, have not yet decided which party to vote for.

Christopher Luxon as Preferred Prime Minister

According to the Newshub-Reid Research poll conducted on Monday, there is a rising preference for Christopher Luxon as Prime Minister. However, Luxon would require the support of Winston Peters’ to form a Government. The poll also indicated a slight decline for Labour and a minor fall for National. On a positive note, the Green Party had one of their best poll performances, with an increase of 1.9 points. Act recorded a slight fall, while New Zealand First saw an increase, reaching the threshold to enter Parliament.

Auckland Central: A Brief Political History

Auckland Central has predominantly been a Labour stronghold since 1919, with the exception of 1993 when Sandra Lee won the seat for the Alliance. Nikki Kaye of National held the seat for four terms from 2008. The leading party candidates for the upcoming election include Mahesh Muralidhar, Felix Poole, Oscar Sims, Damian Sycamore, and Chloe Swarbrick. The 2020 results saw Swarbrick winning with a margin of 1068 votes.

The Demographics of Auckland Central

The electorate of Auckland Central boasts the highest proportion of overseas-born residents and those aged 25-34 in New Zealand. Moreover, the area records low rates of home ownership and car possession, indicating unique demographic challenges and preferences that may shape the electoral competition.