UPDATED 9.40pm Anti-corruption campaigner Penny Bright has branded herself the Bernie Sanders of New Zealand at an Auckland mayoral debate at Auckland University tonight.
Ms Bright, who is in an ongoing legal battle with Auckland Council over almost a decade of unpaid rates, took part in the 2013 university debate despite not being invited.
She was invited to take part in tonight's debate and used her opening speech to wave large banners claiming the election is rigged. She confirmed she has no plans to pay her rates.
Penny Bright is claiming Auckland election is rigged, at tonight's @AucklandUni mayoral debate. @NewstalkZB pic.twitter.com/2ySFLB2cn2
— Michael Sergel (@michaelsergel) September 7, 2016
Later in the debate Ms Bright held up a second banner reading: "Super City = Super rip off! Open the books!"
'New Zealand's Bernie Sanders' holds up a second banner: 'open the books'. @NewstalkZB pic.twitter.com/ITHj0FGpJp
— Michael Sergel (@michaelsergel) September 7, 2016
The debate also featured Phil Goff, Vic Crone, Mark Thomas, John Palino and David Hay, and is focused on the design of the city under the new Unitary Plan.
But 22-year-old candidate Chloe Swarbrick stole the show, despite not being officially invited to take part.
She was allowed to speak on voter engagement, receiving a rapturous applause from the 400-strong crowd.
Ak Mayoral Debate concludes w invitation to @_chloeswarbrick to address audience, w @davidhaynz & @phil_goff at rear pic.twitter.com/p8MtzKSKaL
— Jeanette Elley (@JeanetteElley) September 7, 2016
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