Thorsk Westphal is standing for the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward in the 2025 Local Body Elections.

Statement

Having lived in Wānaka off and on for the last 30 years, I’d be excited to help contribute to the management and future planning of our beautiful town.

My 20+ year corporate career in senior executive roles across various countries has equipped me with the right skillset to not only develop and work towards implementing long-term visions, but also manage existing resources efficiently and for maximum impact, which I feel is not always the case with politicians spending tax- or ratepayers' funds.

I am not a politician – though I believe in collaboration, too often councils seem to form a cosy, self-content group detached from the people who actually pay them: you.

Having just returned to NZ from being the CMO for a global restaurant chain, I see the opportunity to prevent that, and to apply my extensive commercial knowledge to the prudent management of this town’s resources, challenges and opportunities.