Jo Galer. PHOTO: ODT FILES The victor of Dunedin’s by-election spent more than $15,000 on her campaign for a seat at the council table. Recently released election returns show Jo Galer, who was elected to the Dunedin City Council in May, declared expenses of $15,425.93 for the by-election period. Yesterday, Cr Galer said her approach had differed from her high-spending but unsuccessful campaign during last year’s council election — while advertising still comprised the ‘‘lion’s share’’ of her spend, she had placed greater emphasis on ‘‘front[ing] up to people’’. ‘‘I had no donations; I fully paid for it all myself, very proudly,’’ she said. Runner-up and former Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins recorded expenses of $6948.83. Conrad Stedman and Andrew Whiley rounded out the four highest-polling candidates — Mr Stedman declared expenses of $10,431.45 while Mr Whiley recorded a spend of $13,810.10. Mr Whiley’s return showed his spend was largely offset by contributions from 17 donors totalling $11,100. Of the returns available, his was the only one to record donations. Fourteen candidates stood in the by-election, which was triggered following the death of councillor and former mayor Jules Radich in January. Candidate expense and donation returns were due on Wednesday and as of yesterday, eight had been published on the council’s website. Signage, flyers and advertising were frequently listed as expenses by candidates. Cr Galer’s return showed $12,669 spent on Allied Media advertising services. In last year’s election, she was the highest spending unsuccessful candidate, recording expenses of $38,752.73. ‘‘I think this time I got out more and was more face to face with people and met people. ‘‘I think that made a big difference ... spending the time to be responsive to people really helped,’’ she said. ‘‘I’m very proud of myself, to be honest, for my effort. ‘‘It was a well-fought campaign: we had a lot of others who were contesting it, but I wouldn’t change how I did it.’’ The returns of Angus Mackay (recording expenses of $1876.23), Pamela Taylor ($1489.25), Richard Knights ($882.88) and Angela McErlane ($163.09) have been published. Those of Lync Aronson, Bill Acklin, Carmen Houlahan, Lianna MacFarlane, Garreth Ottley and Gordon Dickson were not available on the council’s website last night. In Dunedin, a total spending limit of $55,000 applies to mayoral and council candidates in the three months before an election — any earlier spending is only required to be recorded if it covers goods or services used during the campaign period. Donations of more than $1500 must be declared. A council spokeswoman said all returns were expected to be published this week. ruby.shaw@odt.co.nz
