Dunedin is heading back to the ballot box… Again. A by-election is being held to fill the vacant seat left by the tragic passing of Councillor and former Mayor Jules Radich. Nominations are currently open and will close on March 2nd, with voting beginning April 10th.
This unexpected gap has triggered the return of some familiar Dunedin faces looking to make a comeback into local politics, such as former mayor Aaron Hawkins. Hawkins formally announced his bid for the by-election on February 8, positing himself as a steady hand in tough economic times. Hawkins ran on a Green Party endorsed ticket in 2019, but this time round is running as an independent candidate.
Hawkins is not running unopposed – former Councillor Andrew Whiley has confirmed that he too is attempting to jump back on the political pony that is the Dunedin City Council (DCC). Narrowly missing re-election last year, Whiley has now made balancing rates and maintaining disciplined spending central to this campaign.
Conrad Stedman, Richard Knights and Pamela Taylor are among others who have publicly announced their candidacies. But some figures from the October election – such as Bruce Ranga, the highest-polling unsuccessful candidate – have opted out.
OUSA Political rep Flynn Nissbett encourages students to get out there and vote. “We need a big student turnout to show the council that they are making decisions for students too. By-elections historically have low voter turnout, [but] OUSA will be doing its part. Do yours and vote!” Students, who make up a huge chunk of the city’s population, have more skin in the game than they might think. From rent and buses to cycleways and cultural identity, the names on this ballot will help decide what Ōtepoti looks and feels like for the rest of their degrees.
Across Aotearoa, By-election voter turnout often slumps into the low 20-30% range. When only a third of eligible voters bother, outcomes skew toward the most motivated groups of voters: landlords, ratepayer groups and the politically hyper-engaged. Politics Students Association Vice-President Ella Grayson urged students to “make sure your voice is heard. If you don't vote, you aren't represented.”
Voting details are due to drop closer to April. Until then, keep an eye on the hoardings, the hot takes and whichever candidate's face ends up glued to the nearest power box on Castle Street.