Parties Keen To Win Marginal Tasman (Press, 7 August 1987)

The Tasman electorate is gearing up for a competitive election as both Labour and National consolidate their campaigns ahead of the polling day on 15 August 1987. Historically a Labour stronghold for nearly 50 years, the area is currently represented by Labour's Ken Shirley, who holds a narrow majority of 1,854 votes. Recognising the seat's marginal status, both main parties are deploying prominent figures to rally support for their candidates. Labour has brought in heavyweights including Prime Minister David Lange and Finance Minister Roger Douglas to assist Shirley. During his campaign, Shirley has focused on reconnecting with disillusioned Labour supporters, particularly in traditional strongholds like Richmond and Motueka. He believes economic policies implemented by the government, despite causing short-term pain, are necessary for long-term benefits and claims that many rural voters are now leaning towards Labour. On the other hand, National's candidate Gerald Hunt is making his third attempt to capture the seat. Hunt has received support from various National Party leaders, including Deputy Leader George Gair and Education Spokeswoman Ruth Richardson, both of whom have campaigned in the region. With 30% of voters identified as undecided, Hunt is optimistic and believes Labour's economic policies have alienated enough voters to tilt the seat in his favour. Other candidates in the race include Rudolf Muller of the Democratic Party, who expresses concerns about the government's economic policies but approaches the election with a low-key attitude. Philip Lister of the Values Party and two Independents, Hugh Monahan and Ken Waldron, round out the candidate field. Monahan, a veteran farmer and contractor, shares a disdain for mainstream party confrontations and brings unique characteristics to the campaign. While Labour remains the incumbent, Hunt's confidence is bolstered by former supporters of the now-defunct New Zealand Party, which previously garnered significant votes in Tasman. The electorate's diverse economic base—spanning fishing, forestry, horticulture, and tourism—makes economic policy a central concern for voters as well as social issues including homosexual law reform. Shirley's efforts to retain his seat and Hunt's determination to break Labour's hold will culminate in what analysts predict to be a closely watched contest as Labour attempts to reassure its traditional base while National seeks to capitalise on potential voter discontent.

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