The power behind the electoral throne

Stephanie Drew has the golden touch when it comes to the local body elections.

The Camborne designer had her skills used by eight candidates for Porirua City Council, and one (Nicola Young) in Wellington – and all were elected.

‘‘It is great knowing I can help present them [through billboards, flyers, business cards and other media] and give them the look they want,’’ she said.

The eight contenders, mainly in the Northern ward, spent a total of $2324 on Ms Drew’s services.

Nick Leggett was the biggest spender, paying $552.

Mr Leggett spent $7562 on his campaign re-election, according to expenses that had to be filed by last Wednesday.

Barbara Donaldson forked out $4063. She stood unopposed for the regional council in the Porirua/ Tawa ward and was unsuccessful in gaining a seat on the Porirua Community Trust.

Those who did not file expense returns on time were Yvonne Carroll, Faafoi Seiuli, Euan McPetrie and Steve Kenny.

Porirua electoral officer Warwick Lampp said candidates had plenty of warning about filing returns.

‘‘It will be a case of me ringing them and telling them to pull their finger out.’’

Porirua City Council’s Northern ward candidates had much deeper pockets than their Western or Eastern counterparts – Bronwyn Kropp ($ 4133), Euon Murrell ($3672), Anita Baker ($3258) and Tim Sheppard ($1814) were suc- cessful. Kevin Watson spent $2731 in a failed bid.

Former deputy mayor Liz Kelly received $ 1600 worth of donations. She spent $5142 all up, but was beaten in her attempt to win an Eastern ward council seat.

Porirua mayoral candidates could spend up to $30,000, Eastern and Northern ward candidates $20,000 and the Western ward $14,000 on their campaigns.