1989 Dunedin mayoral election

The 1989 Dunedin mayoral election was part of the New Zealand local elections held that same year. In 1989, elections were held for the Mayor of Dunedin plus other local government positions including twelve city councillors. The polling was conducted using the standard first-past-the-post electoral method.

1989 Dunedin mayoral election

14 October 1989
Turnout	53,100
Candidate Richard Walls Ian McKeeking Party Independent Independent Popular vote 17,983 10,556 Percentage 33.86 19.87   Candidate Michael Haggitt David Benson-Pope Party Citizens' Labour Popular vote 8,243 6,381 Percentage 15.52 12.01
Mayor before election Cliff Skeggs Elected mayor Richard Walls

Background

Mayor Cliff Skeggs chose not to seek re-election and a record nine candidates sought to replace him. There were divisions on both sides of local politics in Dunedin. Councillor David Benson-Pope stood as the official Labour candidate, with Labour's candidate from the previous election Steve Alexander also standing. The Citizens' Association had divisions regarding their nominee. Michael Haggitt was chosen as their nominee over councillors Richard Walls and Ian McKeeking. Walls and McKeeking were overlooked due to their affiliations to the National Party. Both stood as independent candidates regardless.

Results

The following table shows the results for the election:

1989 Dunedin mayoral election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Independent	Richard Walls	17,983	33.86
	Independent	Ian McKeeking	10,556	19.87
	Citizens'	Michael Haggitt	8,243	15.52
	Labour	David Benson-Pope	6,381	12.01
	Independent	Elizabeth Hanan	5,568	10.48
	Independent Labour	Steve Alexander	2,616	4.92	−22.60
	Independent	Paul Brooks	704	1.32
	McGillicuddy Serious	Warren Gumbley	510	0.96
	Independent	Gregor Campbell	242	0.45
Informal votes			297	0.55	−0.14
Majority			7,427	13.98
Turnout			53,100