When it came to election spending, South Wairarapa’s new mayor Martin Connelly was in it to win it.
Connelly spent $9846.62 on his campaign last year, more than double that of fellow mayoral contender Daphne Geisler, who spent $3608.95.
Alex Beijen spent no money on his campaign to retain the mayoralty.
Martinborough councillor Pip Maynard also ran a zero-spend campaign, but was successful in her bid to stay on council.
The three biggest spenders who did not contest the mayoralty were: Greytown’s Alistair Plimmer [$1328.25], Featherston’s Rebecca Gray [$1260.70], and Featherston’s Colin Olds [$1054.91].
Election spending information was not available for Aidan Ellims and Kaye McAuley, who were elected.
It was also not available for Claire Bleakley, Brenda West, Phil Blackwood, Garrick Emms, Mike Gray, and Ed Martin, none of whom were elected.
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
