We will scrutinise the raw data in due course, but the Dominion Post has an article reporting on the spending by Mayoral candidates in this year's local body elections. Helene Ritchie was the big spender, but she was allowed to be as by standing for the hospital board as well as Mayor she could spend up to a total of $70k compared to Mayoral Candidate's maximum of $60k (is the law an ass??).
Helene ran quite a few TV ads, including at prime time. We are amazed they were so cheap. If TVNZ and others can be held to this price schedule next year, the restrictions imposed by the Electoral Finance Bill may not be as bad as some are thinking.
