Hastings mayoral candidate Guy Wellwood has claimed that the water crisis in Havelock North damaged the reputation of current mayor Lawrence Yule.
In a public meeting in Hastings last night, lawyer Mr Wellwood claimed Mr Yule's credibility had been ruined and if he was elected he would reward the district by exterminating the water contamination forever.
When contacted for comment last night, Mr Yule said that it would be for the people to decide when it came to voting time.
"I did not cause the water contamination and have tried to make it safe and lead people through it."
He said how the public responded and the judgement they made was all in their hands, not his.