Sunday Star Times About Town Journalists Standing in Local Body Elections

Preserving coastlines, keeping school zones safe, protecting heritage buildings and apportioning funds to community groups might seem far from the glitz and glamour normally associated with the Sunday Star Times’ social pages, but it seems the appeal of the two roles isn’t as divided as it might at first appear.

Christchurch journalist Jane Broughton and Wellington’s Amanda Nicolle recently discovered that not only did they both write the Sunday Star Times’ weekly About Town pages for Christchurch and Wellington, they are running for Community Board and city councillor respectively, in the upcoming local body elections.

Broughton, a 36-year-old single mother who combines her freelance journalism career with public relations and marketing, is standing with Independent Citizens for Christchurch’s Fendalton/Waimari ward. As part of her PR and marketing work, Broughton is heavily involved with the Canterbury Charity Hospital Trust.

Nicolle, who as well as working for the Sunday Star Times is in a role with the Child Cancer Foundation, is standing for Wellington’s Eastern Suburbs as an independent, with ‘Fresh Eyes on Wellington’s Eastern Suburbs’ her tag line.

It is purely by coincidence that two women, who both write social pages and both work for charitable organisations share have decided to launch themselves into the world of local body politics.

“Ironically, I was at a launch of Ashley Fogel’s new designer range here in Christchurch when I was telling a guest that I was running for the Community Board. She told me that she was pretty sure Amanda was running too. We’ve never met, but I gave her a call and it seems we have a lot in common,” says Broughton.

Attending weekly functions ranging from designer launches, fashion shows and business functions to charity balls and exhibition openings might seem like the dream job, but Broughton says it comes with responsibilities and isn’t just about a free drink and access to parties that some would give their right arm to attend.

“I’ve learnt a lot about Christchurch and the people who live here over the past few years, as when I attend functions for the Sunday Star Times I meet people from all walks of life. It has given me a real finger on the pulse in terms of what is going on in our city – what works and what doesn’t. If elected for the Community Board, I believe I have the background knowledge and experience to represent my ward and communicate on behalf of its residents,” says Broughton.

Nicolle is a proud and parochial Wellingtonian, and a passionate eastern suburbs resident, who went to Hataitai Kindy, attended Hataitai School and whose family lived in the same Hataitai home for over 65 years. She has lived her life in the worlds of self employment, fashion, racing and now charity and feels her experience in all these things will add to the city she loves.

" Wellington needs fresh eyes and a new face on the Council. I am a good listener and am known for getting things done, so let's work together to address the issues in the eastern suburbs and make this an even better place to grow up, work, live, and grow old in,” says Nicolle.

ENDS

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