21 Jul 2022

Auckland Council probes mayoral candidate's website linking to rival

7:04 pm on 21 July 2022

Auckland council is investigating after finding a mayoral candidate's website links to that of one of his rivals.

Efeso Collins and Leo Molloy

Auckland mayoral candidates Efeso Collins and Leo Molloy. Photo: Supplied

The website, under the domain name efesocollins.co.nz, leads to rival candidate Leo Molloy's website.

A spokesperson confirmed the council is looking into the matter and liaising with the Electoral Officer.

A search of the domain name registry names Leo Molloy as a contact.

However, Molloy told RNZ he did not have any knowledge of what had happened.

Collins said it was important to get to the bottom of what happened and said he believed Molloy.

"I think what's disappointing for me is that it's been redirected to another candidate's website shows that there's a bit of underhandedness in this campaign," Collins said.

The people of Auckland did not need these types of distractions, he added.

A complaint was lodged with Auckland Council.

Auckland Council governance manager Rose Leonard said the issue may be referred to the Electoral Officer.

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