Mayor’s work car advertisement questioned

Southland Mayor Rob Scott’s work car has been covered in advertising for his election campaign, but the council says he is not breaking any rules.

However, a former mayor, who is running again, says he would not do it.

Mr Scott’s council car has been signwritten: "Rob Scott my vote (again)", with a cartoon picture of the mayor.

District council electoral officer Anthony Morton said the vehicle was provided as part of Mr Scott’s salary package and came with unrestricted private use.

"The mayor can choose to add campaign signage to the vehicle at his own cost, provided it is removed before the end of the salary package arrangement," Mr Morton said.

No issues with council policy had been identified, and the mayor took a smaller salary for his unrestricted use of the vehicle, the council said.

Former three-term mayor Gary Tong is also contesting the mayoralty and said it was not something he would do.

Mr Tong said he did not think it was "right" and had not heard of a standing mayor taking that approach.

"You see it on their own private vehicles and trailers and that, but certainly not on their one that they have for their work every day.

"It’s not something I ever considered."

Mr Scott defended his decision, saying he had sign-written his personal car last election and was not breaking any rules.

"I put it on and I’ll take it off after the election period," he said.

"It’s just part of putting my best foot forward for the campaign. It’s a job that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed over the last three years."

The vehicle in question is a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander which was bought by the council in September 2023 for $58,063 plus GST.

Pre-election guidance from the Office of the Auditor-general says councils need to carefully manage communications during the lead-up to prevent sitting candidates from gaining an advantage.

The use of council resources for re-election purposes was unacceptable, a spokesperson for the office said.

"Council staff need to take particular care to make sure that council communications are not used, or appear to be used, for electioneering purposes.

"If ratepayer funds are used, or appear to be used, to promote electioneering then public trust and confidence in the outcome of elections will be put at risk."

The advice was non-binding and the office was not able to make rulings.

The Local Government Commission did not wish to comment because the matter was outside of its responsibility.

Election day is set for October 11 and voting documents will be delivered next month.

• LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.