Mayor Lewers reveals $10,000 election donation from Rod Drury

Under pressure from community online questions, Mayor Glyn Lewers has reveals that $10,000 of his election campaign is being funded by Xero founder and Queenstown entrepreneur Rod Drury.

Here's the statement that appeared on Mr Lewers' election page a short time ago (Wednesday, September 3).

"I have graciously accepted a $10,000 donation from Rod Drury. I have worked closely with Rod over the years and he is extremely supportive of the Regional Deals.

"I have received a number of donations of $1500 or less. These people have requested anonymity – and they have every right to do so – as per the Local Electoral Act 2001, and I must respect that. (The same will apply for every other mayoral candidate, if they receive donations with the request of anonymity).

"As of today, I am still accepting donations. Any balance will be funded by myself personally."

Mr Lewers also added that prominent local businessman and Skyline shareholder Richard Thomas was not contributing financially to the Lewers re-election campaign, but was involved.

Skyline director and shareholder Richard Thomas. Involved in the Lewers campaign but not contributing financially.

The statement continued.

"I do not have a campaign manager."
"Richard Thomas is a trusted friend and colleague. Richard has made no financial contribution to my campaign.
"I am fortunate to have a number of individuals on my campaign team, who come from a range of community and cultural backgrounds.
"I have engaged local marketing communications consultancy Scope Communications to support me, I also have engaged a local videographer and Lauren Prebble is my local social media professional. All paid providers are operating within their allocated budgets.
"Included within the $30k campaign budget is printing costs, corflute costs and media advertising costs. As I mentioned in a previous post, I am a qualified structural engineer by profession, and have managed budgets for major infrastructure projects throughout my career. This means I am more than capable of managing a $30k (inclusive of GST) budget, which is what I am legally allowed to spend as per the Local Electoral Act 2001.
"Every council and mayoral candidate across Aotearoa New Zealand is entitled to spend money on campaign advertising and promotion. I won’t be the only candidate who has a team of paid and volunteer supporters around them and I’m sure my fellow candidates will attest, this support is crucial during the highs and lows of campaigning.
"All my expenditure, and donations, will be disclosed through the appropriate channels (the Electoral Officer) – just as every other candidate is required to do as per the Local Electoral Act 2001 at the conclusion of the election.
"Throughout this short campaign period, I look forward to continuing serving my district as your mayor and focusing on important community issues like securing the Clinical Services Plan for our local public health needs – this is an example of the Regional Deal in action. Read more about this in the ODT.
"On the campaign trail I receive a number of media requests and questions from the public. In order to manage and respond to those requests in an appropriate and timely manner, and continue to do my day job as your mayor, please email me [email protected]. I’ll do my best to respond within an appropriate timeframe.