The candidate list for the local government elections in Dunedin began to swell yesterday afternoon, as late nominations were lodged.
By the end of the day the city's central ward, which has 11 councillors, had attracted 36 nominations, while there were five mayoral contestants.
The Mosgiel Taieri ward, which has two councillors, had six nominations, Waikouaiti Coast-Chalmers, with one councillor, had two nominations.
Nominations close at noon today.
In the mayoral race, Jimmy Knowles (45), who polled just 189 in 2004, and even fewer - 148 - in 2007, is back for another go.
The beneficiary-student said he was "standing up for the underdog".
Cr Richard Walls' name also appeared on the list yesterday, meaning all standing councillors, and Mayor Peter Chin, have been nominated.
Cr Walls said he was keen for another term, in part because "I never shirk from a challenge".
A new "progressive left" ticket, Community Vision, has four council candidates: Hendrik Koch, Jono Clark, Andrew Eames and Geraldine Tait.
Postal voting in Dunedin begins between September 17 and 22, when voting documents are delivered.
Voting closes at noon on election day, October 9.
