CityBeat - Te Waha Nui Online

by Shawn Ashley

Stephen Colbert, the host of The Colbert Report has officially announced that he is seeking the office of The President of the United States.

Although it is unusual for a comedian to be running for President, it is not the first time this has happened.

Back in 1968 American comedian Pat Paulson announced that he would be seeking the office of President. Read more

by Michelle King

Auckland Mayor is encouraging voters to front up at this years mayoral election.

The 2007 Local Body elections currently only have 22 per cent voter turnout in Auckland.

Voter turnout across the country has dropped off over three years, but this year’s statics are a record low. Read more

by Justin Henehan

There is something perverse about a world where, in one country, democracy activists are shot by the military and then abducted from hospital for interrogation, while in another country, only 41 per cent of people bother to vote in their local body elections.

Voter apathy is the term most bandied about.

There are a lot of factors that determine whether a person votes or not. Read more

by Michelle King

It’s time for everyone to kiss, make up or just shake on it.

Well, the Ports of Auckland and Maratime Union that is.

There is serious concern that the port could lose business if the port strikes continue for much longer, warns Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett. Read more

by Martin Hirst

Calling all bloggers:

An online campaign “Free Burma” has been organised to make a splash in the blogosphere in a couple of days time. The organisers are asking people to sign up and to post a pro-democracy item on their blog on the fourth of October in support of the Burmese people who have been protesting against the military junta. Over the past week tens of thousands of Burmese, including monks and ordinary workers have been on the streets. Hundreds have been killed. About 2000 university students are currently on hunger strike, their campus surrounded by heavily-armed soldiers.

If you want one good reason why you, as a journalism student, should support Free Burma day, read the story about Kenji Nagai.

Read more

by Amy Paterson

The never-ending election campaign is starting to get to me.

Almost every night on the evening news we receive an update on which political party leader is winning the ‘race’ for popularity.

I would like to think that I’m an active participant in our democracy - seeking out information so that I can make an informed decision when the day comes to acutally vote. Read more

by Elizabeth Allan

Would you rather have nice footpaths, or neat grass verges?

Or would you rather have both?

Auckland City is spending $30m on upgrading the pedestrian part of our streets this year, and Crummer Rd in Grey Lynn recently got a makeover as a result. Read more

by Michel Sam Mathew

Lisa Prager can ramble away for hours if the topic is about Auckland city.

The former gay activist turned community campaigner has been through the thick and thin of big city politics for almost six years now.

However, it’s been just three months since she threw her hat in the ring and decided to compete in the race to be Auckland’s next Mayor. Read more

by Michel Sam Mathew

Islamophobia may be the topic de jour, but AUT’s Muslim Students Association (AUTMSA) aims to look beyond the prejudice.

At the annual Islam Awareness Week, which was held at AUT last week, the association members did just that.

More than 25 members of the AUTMSA held a string of events such as movie nights Read more

by Sam Mickell

In a world first, a giant inflatable rugby ball will take centre stage next to the Eiffel Tower for the Rugby World Cup.

The ball will be branded with the slogan ‘100% pure NZ’ and will accompany the magnificent French icon for the duration of the cup.

The rugby ball’s presence is part of a Tourism New Zealand initiative to promote New Zealand for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Read more