"These are the things you often forget about or maybe even take for granted until something goes wrong. Think about the bus network, rubbish, recycling, the maintenance of local roads, the water you drink from a tap, or the cost of parking in town."
Campbell says that local politics often has a far more direct impact on your day-to-day life than the further-removed echelons of national politics.
Incumbent Wellington mayor Andy Foster faces a tight race against Labour MP Paul Eagle and former Green Party chief of staff Tory Whanau.
While Foster has faced criticism in his first term, Campbell is hesitant to write off his chances of re-election.
"I wouldn't underestimate any of them, including Andy Foster," says Campbell.
"He has been around the table for three decades and has really strong name recognition. And while Wellington City Council has got this reputation for being dysfunctional this term, some people might sympathise with Foster in that it's not entirely his fault."
"Christchurch's mayoral race is being called a head-to-head battle. You've got councillor Phil Mauger and former District Health Board chief executive David Meates, who have both thrown their hats in the ring."
Beyond this, there's also Auckland, which also starting to look more like a two-man race between Wayne Brown and Efeso Collins. Viv Beck is further back, but recent press leaks on her relationship with her advertising partners have left her putting out a few PR fires.
New Zealand's smaller cities are also serving up some political intrigue.
