19 Jun 2013

Auckland candidate wants Govt funding for campaign

9:04 am on 19 June 2013

An Auckland mayoral candidate says campaign spending limits are too high and the Government should provide funding to level the field.

Mana Party candidate John Minto said the current cap of $580,000 is a barrier to candidates who don't have corporate backing.

The Auckland cap is much higher than the $70,000 that candidates in other main centres can spend.

Mr Minto said that if the Government provided a pool of funding, similar to the money given to political parties contesting the general election, it would help all candidates to get their message out.

A spokesperson for Local Government Minister Chris Tremain said there is no Government support for the suggestion.