There are so many candidates the election forum has been split into two parts; the second session will be held tonight.
Last night candidates with surnames from J to W shared their views on topics ranging from their stance on oil and gas exploration off the Otago coast to their favourite films, in front of an audience of about 140.
Meeting chairman Philip Somerville opened the floor to each candidate for two minutes, a hunter’s electronic stag caller was used to drone out any candidate who did not finish when signalled.
Sentiments including a love of Dunedin, its people and the outdoors were shared by most candidates.
Candidates also found common ground on favourite book and film choices, with Star Wars and the Lee Child series proving to be popular favourites.
Most candidates supported a cautious approach to the development of the Mosgiel Pool, while Lee Vandervis and Joshua Perry were the only candidates who said their position on rates aligned with a rates freeze for several years.
During a quick-fire question round Mike Lord said he did not think about what the worst things about Dunedin were.
"I don’t do negativity; there probably are things, [but] they just don’t bother me."
The city’s seeming inability to market itself on a greater scale, and a sense of "negativity" about what could be achieved by the city were common answers given to the question.
The question what political party a candidate voted for in the last election received varying responses, some drawing hoots of a laughter from the audience.
Marie Laufiso said she did not vote in 2013, while Paul Pope said it was a "really personal question".
Departing Dunedin City Councillor Jinty MacTavish was named as one of the best current city councillors by the majority of the candidates.
