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

← 1986 14 October 1989 1992 →
Turnout53,100
 
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

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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.[1]

Results

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The following table shows the results for the election:

1989 Dunedin mayoral election[2]
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

References

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  1. ^ Ann-Marie Johnson (5 October 1989). "Walls Questions Selection Criteria". Otago Daily Times. p. 5.
  2. ^ "Election Special". Otago Daily Times. 16 October 1989. p. 6.