Campaigning is almost at an end, voting closes at noon tomorrow and there is then the anxious wait for results.
As things stood last night, voter turnout in Dunedin was shaping to be dreadful — the cumulative return was 26.16%, compared with 39.14% at the same stage in 2022.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich, who is seeking re-election, said the mayoralty "could go to anyone".
"Several contenders have run very strong campaigns," he said.
Cr Sophie Barker was "hopeful" people would vote for her to bring "positive change and a new style of leadership".
Cr Lee Vandervis saw the mayoralty contest as a four-horse race. While not stating outright to the Otago Daily Times yesterday who they were, the other three main contenders would presumably be Mr Radich, Cr Barker and Andrew Simms.
Cr Vandervis suggested there had been "10 times more spent on advertising", mostly connected to Mr Simms, "than any election I can remember".
Mr Simms said he believed there was a mood for change.
"Through an extensive campaign focusing on the big issues facing Dunedin, I am in the frame, but it is now up to the voters of Dunedin," he said.
Green Party candidate Mickey Treadwell said it was an unusual election.
"I think we’re in for some surprises," he said.
"I’m optimistic, because I think my team has run a great campaign, but I don’t think anyone can really call it at this point."
The ODT asked mayoral candidates how they felt about their prospects. Each candidate was also asked for one piece of advice for any voter yet to make up their minds, which issue should be top of mind for anybody yet to vote and for a one-sentence pitch about why they should be mayor.
Those pitches have been assembled in random order.
Marie Laufiso was one candidate taking a Que Sera, Sera mentality to the election results.
"What will be, will be," she said.
Cr Laufiso said those people who were aware of local body elections might still be deciding on whether to vote, "given the overwhelming number of candidates".
Sixteen people put themselves forward for the mayoralty and the number of nominees for 14 councillor positions at the Dunedin City Council is 54.
Ruthven Allimrac, the vampire candidate, was realistic.
"I've heard a lot of positive feedback, which has been incredible, but still I understand that an undead monster as mayor would be a step too far for a lot of people."
Cr Mandy Mayhem was "a bundle of nerves".
"The next leader for the city has a big task ahead of them," she said.
"The campaign has been long and there are many people wanting to get on council."
Cr Carmen Houlahan said she was feeling positive and proud.
"Whatever the outcome, I’m incredibly grateful for the trust Dunedin people have shown me and the progress our council is making."
Doug Hall was feeling confident.
"People are ready for change and want someone who’ll stop the talk, fix what’s broken and get Dunedin back on track."
Lync Aronson felt positive.
"Residents are tired of relentless rate hikes and have backed my community-first approach."
David Milne said voting for change would bring the greatest benefit.
Benedict Ong agreed "the season of change is here".
Lianna MacFarlane said she hoped whoever succeeded would be "well experienced in fully transparent, responsible financial planning and management".
Pamela Taylor said the city was poised for meaningful progress and "smarter spending" was required.
Flynn Nisbett, of the Aotearoa New Zealand Silly Hat Party, said he was feeling "good as".
"Better weather, optimism and fresh beaches are on the cards under me."
One sentence pitch for the Dunedin mayoralty
Mickey Treadwell: "If you want a mayor who prioritises our most vulnerable communities, who wants a resilient city for our kids and mokopuna, and who will build consensus in the chamber to make that happen, vote Mickey Treadwell."
Pamela Taylor: "Vote for Pamela Taylor to be Dunedin mayor, as I have a plan to reduce the rates and reduce the Dunedin City Council debts."
Lee Vandervis: "I should be mayor because only I have the experience and drive to enable transformation of Dunedin’s local government while boosting city-wide development with a slimmer bureaucracy."
Ruthven Allimrac: "I believe everyone should be paid enough to afford food, water, and shelter with enough left to enjoy their life, and I am will never stop fighting for this belief."
Doug Hall: "I’m Doug Hall — a straight-talker, problem-solver, and local who’ll fix what’s broken and put Dunedin first."
Marie Laufiso: "As there has always been more than one Ōtepoti Dunedin — since Scottish settlement — we urgently need a mayor who is willing to lead building kotahitaka (togetherness) between all the diverse, siloed, and often marginalised Dunedins."
Carmen Houlahan: "I’m open, honest, and fair — a proven leader who puts people first and works hard every day to make Dunedin a city we’re all proud to call home."
Flynn Nisbett: "My vision is of you and I frolicking at the beach without being attacked by sandflies or freezing weather, and we can make this vision a reality tomorrow."
Mandy Mayhem: "I am invested in the people of Dunedin and my vision is people before profit; an inclusive, accessible, welcoming city where all residents feel like they belong."
Lync Aronson: "I’m the only candidate with both a credible plan to stop the endless rate hikes and the real-world governance experience to actually deliver it."
Jules Radich: "If you want carparks, more jobs, higher incomes and lower rates rises, stick with the proven performer who is delivering Infrastructure after years of neglect and the new hospital after years of wrangling — vote Jules Radich No 1 for mayor."
David Milne: "Dunedin deserves someone with a fresh approach — a leader with the skills and experience to scrutinise spending and improve operational efficiency, who will represent the will of the people and take Dunedin into the future through new export, manufacturing, tourism, job, and education opportunities."
Sophie Barker: Vote Sophie #1 for mayor because I bring experienced, progressive, hard-working, high-performing, sensible, inclusive leadership to deliver a bold change in ambition for Dunedin."
Benedict Ong: "I am a very resolved paper boy, I intend to serve and I will deliver jobs growth, job security and wage growth to my home town, our community."
Andrew Simms: "Now, more than ever, Dunedin needs a strong, courageous and effective leader to bring our city together again and build a thriving future for all of Dunedin."
Lianna MacFarlane: "I have an independent voice plus extensive background in financial planning and management, and constructive communication, and it's time to get real so we can financially secure our special city for our current and future generations."
