Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull spent more
than $13,000 in his campaign to win the mayoral chains -
nearly $30,000 less than Peter Chin did in his campaign not
to lose them.
The local government elections were held six weeks ago, but
some Central Otago voters will be able to exercise their
democratic rights again shortly, with two by-elections
looming.
Low and no-expense election campaigns are the feature of
candidates' spending details the Central Otago District
Council returning officer has received so far.
Eligible voters in the Waihemo Community Board area are urged
to enrol now or check their enrolment details, for a
by-election to be held on February 10.
Dunedin's council
should, ideally, represent the age, gender and ethnicity of
the city, says Dr Janine Hayward, a lecturer in the
department of political studies, at the University of Otago.
Dunedin Mayor-elect Dave Cull has
said "No" to a request from council candidate Bev Butler for
an assurance she would not be charged for an election
recount.
