Contender cries foul over bogus pamphlet

Roger Hennebry. Photo / Supplied

The gloves are off in the electoral race for Hamilton City Council with police investigating a bogus pamphlet drop.

Three-term councillor and mayoral candidate Roger Hennebry is livid that a leaflet - with Act Party leader "Rod Hide" apparently endorsing it - could have severely sabotaged his Rates Control Team's campaign.

Mr Hennebry and his team have campaigned for keeping rates and the city's debt levels down.

They have also openly promised not to sell the water services or other assets to private interests.

But the leaflet has cheekily suggested the Rates Control Team would "immediately" contract water services out. The fake pamphlet claims that there will be a full review of what city assets can be sold within the first 12 months.

It also says the group will look at where charges can be increased, including funding for libraries, swimming pools and bus services.

Mr Hennebry feared the dirty tricks campaign could derail his mayoral aspirations.

People who have said they would vote for him and his Rates Control Team have called him to say they wouldn't.

"It's quite despicable," said Mr Hennebry. "I'm livid. It's just incredible and it's absolutely untrue. It's just dirty tricks and something I have never experienced. It's just so bad."

Mr Hennebry is unclear when and where the leaflets were circulated, having only found out about them a few days ago. He has laid a complaint with Hamilton police and offered a $1000 reward for information.

A city councillor for nine years, coming second for mayor in the last election, Mr Hennebry said he had no association with Mr Hide, whose address is at the foot of the pamphlet.

He recently spoke to Mr Hide, who he said was furious to have his name on a fraudulent document.

"It's probably the last thing he wants to be dealing with right now considering everything he's been going through."

Hamilton City electoral officer Anthony Dick said he did not have the powers to act, but it was serious enough for the police to investigate.

A recent Waikato Times poll had Mr Hennebry trailing Julie Hardaker. They are both some distance behind the incumbent, former National MP Bob Simcock.