Mr R. Duff ‘more Facilities For Young’ (Press, 4 November 1975)

Robin Duff, the Values Party candidate for Christchurch Central, expressed significant concerns regarding the lack of child care and pre-school facilities in the area. He noted that during his six years living in Christchurch Central, he has identified this issue as the most pressing need, especially as more young people and families are moving into the central city. Duff remarked on the demographic shift, indicating that older residential areas are converting into flats, attracting young families who are saving for home ownership amid a housing and mortgage finance shortage. This trend, he asserts, has heightened the demand for child care services. In addition to advocating for more child care facilities, Duff is calling for tighter rent controls in response to the ongoing conversion of residential properties. He believes that the Government has made some progress but suggests further action is necessary, particularly in Christchurch Central, where a significant portion of the population consists of individuals on fixed incomes, including pensioners and student teachers and nurses. Duff also raised concerns about the fragmented development of the city centre, suggesting that the recent construction of high-rise buildings could lead to future congestion and associated problems. He emphasised the importance of preserving the character of the central city as high-density developments continue to emerge. On broader national issues, Duff expressed his commitment to women’s and minority rights, alongside a strong stance on delivering a political commitment to "moral" issues such as abortion and homosexuality. He voiced dissatisfaction with the current practice adopted by other political parties, which allows MPs to vote based on personal conscience on such issues. He contended that political parties should take a stance on moral issues just as they do on other policies, providing voters with a clearer understanding of what they are supporting. At 28 years old, Robin Duff is a bachelor and teaches at Burnside High School. His political journey began in 1972 when he first contested a parliamentary seat in Hastings for the Values Party.

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