Reactions from local body politicians named in what is described as a ‘smear campaign' advising people not to vote for them are being described as 'over the top” by city councillor Murray Guy.

A leaflet dropped in Mount Maunganui letterboxes advises electors to vote out Mayor Stuart Crosby, and Mount Maunganui ward councillors David Stewart and Wayne Moultrie.

A leaflet criticising councillors and candidates has been dropped in letterboxes.

The anonymous author also advises against voting for two at large candidates - Mike Baker and Gail McIntosh – as well as incumbents Bill Faulkner, Larry Baldock, and Tony Christiansen.

It has created annoyance from many of the councillors and candidates named in the leaflet to 'avoid like the plague” who say it is dirty tactics and those responsible should come clean.

Mayor Stuart Crosby who is said to have 'responsibility for TCC debt” in the leaflet says the people behind it should front up.

'People like a hard fair fight, but when it gets to that level it's getting below the line.”

City councillor Murray Guy escaped mention in the leaflet for the Mount Maunganui/At Large voting catchment, but is expecting perhaps another one to surface in the Te Papa/Welcome Bay area.

'I wasn't comfortable with some of the comments,” says Murray.

But he believes the Mayor and other councillors mentioned need to take it on the chin, as it is all part of politics.

'This leaflet is just another form of intimidation and offensive behaviour. On this very rare occasion I'm not the recipient.”

Disparaging, inaccurate, dishonest, and politically motivated anonymous comments are a part of being in local council, says Murray.

'Any day of the week I can pick up social media, print media and find offensive stuff, it's just part of being in politics unfortunately.”

People generally use anonymity because they themselves fear retribution, bullying and intimidation, says Murray.

'The rights of democracy are greater than the feelings of the Mayor – or myself. Seriously, I'm prepared to put up with the abuse that we get that is clearly politically motivated skulduggery. I'm prepared to accept that because there is a bigger cost.”

The Mayor disagrees with Murray's statement about abuse being part of council – he says the pamphlet is part of the rough and tumble of electioneering.

'The feedback I'm getting is it has not been well received,” says Stuart.

The pamphlet comments on Stuart being on holiday in July and missing out on the annual plan meetings, which is not true. He took holidays earlier.

'I timed it between a low business time in council,” says Stuart.

'I didn't go in July because I was here in July, chairing those meetings.”