New Zealander of the Year: Bob Parker

When popular Christchurch rock band Zed wrote ‘I’m a lover, I’m a winner, I’m a fighter,’ they very well could have been singing about Bob Parker.  It may only be May, but we have already found our New Zealander of the Year for 2011.  Referred to as ‘New Zealand’s Mayor,’ Bob Parker led the Christchurch City Council during two major earthquakes which is more than you’ve ever done.

Channelling some of history’s greatest mayors, Mayor Bob Parker became the face of Christchurch’s devastating earthquakes.  His calm presence, his clear and compassionate words and deep broadcaster's voice all sending the message that despite the utter devastation, the city will survive.

Born and bred in Christchurch, the city he has always considered home, Parker grew from humble beginnings to take on a career in broadcasting that saw him interview many important and influential New Zealanders.  His posh-sounding voice, the result of elocution lessons, is testament to his belief that any New Zealander can change the way they speak if they are prepared to make sacrifices and work hard.

Ever the modest mayor, Parker declined Newtown News’ offer to appear in our forthcoming swimsuit edition.  He has also turned down our offer of a romantic picnic followed by a punt on the Avon, but we hold out hope he will change his mind on that.

But one issue upon which the good Mayor never flip flops is his commitment to the people of Christchurch.  He lives and breathes the job and always has.  The man with a heart as big as a sprawling suburban shopping mall carpark has a level of compassion that is off the Richter scale.  Christchurch resident Joanna Parker-Nicholls said the mayor comforted her after the February quake.  ‘He had fallen over when the quake struck and bruised his ribs, but he was still concerned at how I was doing.  Christchurch is so lucky to have a mayor as kind and down-to-earth, and as smart and handsome as he is.’

If the government banned local body elections in Christchurch and appointed Parker as mayor for life, few if any Cantabrians would object.  Such is the scale of his mana, his aura and popularity.  Mayor Bob Parker we salute you.

The People's Mayor