Figures show his spend nearly matches the combined total of six other Invercargill hopefuls.
"I had no social media presence prior to the campaign and I knew that if I wanted to get the message across I would have to use, you know, more conventional media to do that," Mr Campbell said.
Mr Campbell’s donations and expenses return shows he spent $19,516.91, with his main costs being a billboard, newspaper ads, website advertising, placards, flyers and car wraps.
He rejected donation offers and used his own money on the campaign.
"I never took it, because I didn’t need to.
"But I support anybody who does. Because any democracy, if you don’t allow people to accept donations, then only wealthy people would be able to stand."
The second-highest election spend belonged to councillor Alex Crackett, who totalled $7189.59, while councillor Ian Pottinger came in at $6400.
Councillor Ria Bond was the only mayoral candidate to declare a donation, noting $3000 had been given towards her $5277.55 campaign.
Further down the list, Andrew Clark spent $2181.84, Tom Morton $955, Stevey Chernishov $90.80 and Gordon McCrone zero.
At the Southland District Council, campaign spending was more subdued.
Mayor Rob Scott’s main expense was car signage of $970, with a total of $2644.50.
Gary Tong spent $513.50, while Wendy Baker tallied $98.41.
Candidates are required to declare both anonymous and individual donations of more than $1500.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
