Gulf ward hopeful beaming message to masses

Rob Thomas says Bluetooth is a great tool, but face-to-face meetings are best. Photo / Richard Robinson

Bluetooth technology has hit the Super City election campaign along Auckland's trendy Ponsonby Rd.

Independent candidate Rob Thomas has spent the past four months door-knocking thousands of homes the old-fashioned way.

Now the energetic 29-year-old is turning his attention to wireless Bluetooth technology to drum up support for his bid for the Waitemata and Gulf seat on the Auckland Council.

From today, pedestrians and motorists with Bluetooth technology on their cellphones passing one of his billboards on Ponsonby Rd could receive a message and video clip.

The message introduces Mr Thomas and his policies, and reminds people to get postal votes in by October 9.

The message is activated by a Bluetooth device installed in a business below the billboard, and has a range of about 30m. It connects easily with pedestrians and motorists stopped for a nearby set of lights or travelling at slow speeds.

"It's a wonderful way to engage with constituents in the area but nothing beats meeting people face-to-face," said the former Auckland City youth council chairman.

Mr Thomas is at the youthful end of the list of election candidates, but some are in their 80s.

Former Labour Party Cabinet minister Bob Tizard and Waitakere City councillor Assid Corban, who entered local politics in 1956 - the year the first transatlantic telephone cable was laid and carried 588 calls between London and the United States - are 86 and 85 respectively.

Mr Corban, standing for the Henderson-Massey local board, has a cellphone for private use, but does not use it for council business. Yesterday, his wife and personal assistant, Miriam Corban, said he still worked seven days a week and could be reached at home by telephone or fax.

Mr Tizard is seeking re-election to the Auckland District Health Board.