Two candidates score maximum survey points

Dunedin City Council candidates Bob Gillanders and George Morrison have come out on top, gaining the maximum score possible, in an election survey organised by the Dunedin Ratepayers and Householders Association.

The association sent a list of 22 questions to all council and mayoral candidates, with a request for yes or no answers.

The replies were scored based on "established association policy", chairman Lyndon Weggery said.

Mayor Peter Chin and five city councillors - Crs Bill Acklin, Neil Collins, Andrew Noone, Richard Walls and Kate Wilson - declined to take part, while Cr Dave Cull instead posted longer replies on the Greater Dunedin website.

The association's questions focused on "topical issues" including the Forsyth Barr Stadium, the future of Carisbrook, capital spending and rates.

Each candidate's answers were scored out of a maximum 22 points, with a points table drawn up for each ward and the mayoralty.

Messrs Gillanders and Morrison, standing in the central ward, were the only candidates to gain maximum points, while former Stop the Stadium president Bev Butler was third with 21 points.

Most incumbent councillors who did answer featured low on the tables, while student radio host Aaron Hawkins was the top-ranked mayoral candidate, with 19 points.

Mayoral candidate Cr Dave Cull - who scored 14 points after his answers were taken from his website - told the Otago Daily Times he had "no confidence" in the survey methodology and analysis.

Mr Chin said he made a "judgement call" when deciding not to take part in the survey.

"A lot of those things are not capable of just yes/no answers to make any sense."

chris.morris@odt.co.nz

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