Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Last-minute rush of would-be local body politicians

Updated at 6:35 pm on 20 August 2010

Electoral offices throughout New Zealand had a last-minute rush of candidates on Friday as nominations closed for local body elections.

The cut-and-thrust of the local body election campaign hasn't even begun, but the contest is already over for some.

Auckland electoral officer Dale Ofsoske says some candidates arrived too late for the midday deadline, while other nominations were ruled invalid.

Whanganui mayor Michael Laws has bowed out of the top job, but is running for council.

In Masterton, Georgina Beyer, the world's first transsexual MP, quit the mayoral race after her financial backer died.

In Christchurch, veteran MP Jim Anderton faces off against incumbent mayor Bob Parker, a former television host.

In Invercargill, New Zealand's longest-serving mayor Tim Shadbolt has two challengers, including country singer Suzanne Prentice.

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