I have long argued that DCC staff should not be involved in any aspect of local elections, since some of them have clear conflicts of interest, especially the DCC CEO who is effectively hired by the Mayor and Councillors.

I believe the actions of DCC CEO Bidrose in the run-up to the 2019 election changed the Mayoralty result to the detriment of Dunedin.

Elections should be run by the Electoral Commission with staff independent of Dunedin and Dunedin Council bureaucracy.

Council bid for legal costs fails in election sign dispute

Dunedin’s highest-polling councillor has welcomed the failure of a Dunedin City Council attempt to recover legal costs from him following a dispute over local election signage rules.

The councillor said the outcome reinforced the importance of fair process, transparency, and the right of candidates to question council decisions without fear of personal financial penalty.

The dispute arose during the local body elections, when differing interpretations of election sign rules led to legal proceedings. After the case concluded, the council sought to pursue the councillor personally for its legal costs — a move that was ultimately unsuccessful.

Observers say the decision helps clarify boundaries around election enforcement, and reassures future candidates that participating in local democracy — and standing up for their rights — should not come with undue personal risk.

The outcome has renewed discussion around how election rules are applied and the need for consistent, proportionate enforcement that supports democratic participation while maintaining clear standards.