Sixteen people are standing for the Dunedin mayoralty, which is believed to be a record for the city.
The number of candidates vying to be Dunedin city councillors is 54 — the largest field in recent elections and also well up on the 40 who contested the 14 positions in 2022.
Cr Lee Vandervis said he believed the impact of a rival mayoralty candidate, Andrew Simms, had made a difference to candidate numbers.
There was also concern about rates rises of 17.5% last year and 10.7% this year, as well as rising debt, Cr Vandervis said.
Mr Simms said it was encouraging to see both the quantity and quality of new candidates for the Dunedin City Council, including for its community boards.
He had observed "a high level of dissatisfaction with the current administration" and "a strong perception that the winds of change are blowing through the streets of Dunedin".
The campaign for himself and his Future Dunedin ticket had highlighted significant opportunities for Dunedin to do better, he said.
Cr Sophie Barker agreed the number of candidates probably reflected people being unhappy with the status quo.
They would be looking for change at the council, she said.
Cr Barker was the top-polling councillor in 2022 and is again seeking the mayoralty.
Cr Vandervis is making his eighth run at the mayoralty, and he went close to winning it in 2019.
"I’m giving people the opportunity to vote for me if they really want a big change, because if I get to be mayor, there will be a big change," he said in May.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich was unsurprised rivals were sensing a mood for change.
"Well, you know, naturally they would," he said.
Mr Radich pointed out the council had run a promotional campaign challenging people who thought they could do better to put themselves forward for election.
"I think what it does show is that people in Dunedin are actively interested in what goes on in their community."
The council, under his leadership, had redirected investment into critical but long-neglected infrastructure, he said.
Mr Radich said he had worked hard to deliver results to make a difference for families and businesses.
He had learnt valuable lessons along the way, he said.
Green Party mayoral candidate Mickey Treadwell said the election followed confirmation of the council’s nine-year plan and this meant council matters were front of mind for more people than usual.
"Secondly, I think there’s heightened political awareness here because Dunedin is especially impacted by this government’s radical austerity."
Government decisions about the hospital and community housing were examples, he said.
Cr Christine Garey said people were looking for a mayor who "has vision, is truly principled and inclusive, makes evidence-based decisions ... [shows] willingness to listen to expert advice and one who always has the people at the heart of all they do".
"That has not been my experience of the past three years — quite the opposite."
Cr Andrew Whiley said he applauded all candidates for putting their names forward.
"I would like to think the residents of Dunedin will take a real interest in the election process and take time to learn about all candidates and what they stand for."
Cr Steve Walker said the high number of candidates was likely down to a combination of good promotion and people wanting to see a shift of direction "or just certain individuals keen to have input into moving the city forward".
"The more the merrier, I say."
