Candidates take action after accusations made on social media

A number of candidates say that this local body election is different from previous campaigns, in that allegations are being made about candidates, particularly on social media. 

In one case, three of those standing for the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board – Leanne Willis, Gary Brown and Andy Dunn – have responded with a Cease and Desist letter, as a forerunner to potential legal action for defamation.

Most of the allegations that Hibiscus Matters has seen relate to whether candidates are members of groups such as Voices for Freedom (VFF) – the anti-mandate group that stated it would ‘plant’ candidates in local elections, with a view to disrupting the democratic process.

Leanne Willis and Andy Dunn have connections with VFF and are anti-mandate, but both say they are not extremists and definitely not in favour of VFF’s aim of disrupting elections.

They have attended VFF meetings and Willis drove from Whangaparāoa to Mercer with the anti-government protest that went to Wellington in February. 

“Neither myself nor Leanne made any attempt to join VFF but they keep in touch with both of us on a regular basis,” Dunn says. “We do not represent them. We strongly believe it is vital to stay politically neutral and listen to every voice if elected to represent your community. We keep our personal politics well away from any potential to interfere with our work and decision-making.”

“Andy and I were on the local board before Covid-19 and we’re not ‘plants’ for any organisation,” Willis says. “This is a democracy and I would like to think that the right people will be elected on their merits.”

Gary Brown says he is not anti-mandate and has no association with VFF. 

“I am fully vaccinated and not part of any lobby group but at the same time I have nothing against them,” Brown says. “You can’t discriminate, everyone is entitled to their views.” 

Candidate Sam Mills, who was name checked in one allegation, says it’s sad to see this happen.

“Having opposing views from each other – that’s democracy. But personal attacks is not,” he says.