Residents can now cast their votes in the 2025 local elections. Voting runs until midday on October 11 - and Queenstown Lakes District Council hopes to boost voter turnout with a unique campaign.The ‘Highest Vote’ campaign includes 17 voting bins across the district - including in high-altitude places such as Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone, and a special one-day-only voting bin at the Crown Range Lookout on Friday October 10.Residents will be voting for the elected positions of mayor, councillors, and Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) members, with these positions representing their communities and shaping the future of the district. For the role of mayor, there are six candidates: incumbent Glyn Lewers, Darren Rewi, John Glover, Nik Kiddle, Al Angus, and Daniel Shand.There are nine candidates for QLDC councillor positions in the Wānaka Ward: Nicola King, Barry Bruce, Quentin Smith, Lyal Cocks, Cody Tucker, Niki Gladding, Craig Gasson, Yeverley McCarthy, and Thorsk Westphal.And there are six candidates for the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board: Chris Hadfield, John Wellington, Linda Joll, Simon Telfer, Kathy Dedo, and John Bache.Voting papers will be delivered by post to all enrolled voters in the coming days and completed papers can be mailed or placed in one of the voting bins dotted around the district.  For anyone who isn’t currently enrolled, or if voting papers don’t get delivered, it’s still possible to cast a special vote. To make a special vote please visit the QLDC offices.  For more information about the candidates, visit Election 2025 in the Wānaka App.Alongside their QLDC papers, locals will also receive voting papers for Otago Regional Council (ORC).There four seats in the Dunstan constituency (which covers Queenstown Lakes), and the candidates are Ben Farrell, Neil Gillespie, Matt Hollyer, Gary Kelliher, Michael Laws, Amie Pont, and Nicky Rhodes.ORC chief executive Richard Saunders encouraged people to get out and vote.“We know people are busy and voting can slip down the ‘to do’ list. By voting in your local body elections, you’ll have your say on who will make important decisions on behalf of Otago communities for the next three years.”PHOTO: Supplied

Residents can now cast their votes in the 2025 local elections. Voting runs until midday on October 11 - and Queenstown Lakes District Council hopes to boost voter turnout with a unique campaign.The ‘Highest Vote’ campaign includes 17 voting bins across the district - including in high-altitude places such as Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone, and a special one-day-only voting bin at the Crown Range Lookout on Friday October 10.Residents will be voting for the elected positions of mayor, councillors, and Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) members, with these positions representing their communities and shaping the future of the district. For the role of mayor, there are six candidates: incumbent Glyn Lewers, Darren Rewi, John Glover, Nik Kiddle, Al Angus, and Daniel Shand.There are nine candidates for QLDC councillor positions in the Wānaka Ward: Nicola King, Barry Bruce, Quentin Smith, Lyal Cocks, Cody Tucker, Niki Gladding, Craig Gasson, Yeverley McCarthy, and Thorsk Westphal.And there are six candidates for the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board: Chris Hadfield, John Wellington, Linda Joll, Simon Telfer, Kathy Dedo, and John Bache.Voting papers will be delivered by post to all enrolled voters in the coming days and completed papers can be mailed or placed in one of the voting bins dotted around the district.  For anyone who isn’t currently enrolled, or if voting papers don’t get delivered, it’s still possible to cast a special vote. To make a special vote please visit the QLDC offices.  For more information about the candidates, visit Election 2025 in the Wānaka App.Alongside their QLDC papers, locals will also receive voting papers for Otago Regional Council (ORC).There four seats in the Dunstan constituency (which covers Queenstown Lakes), and the candidates are Ben Farrell, Neil Gillespie, Matt Hollyer, Gary Kelliher, Michael Laws, Amie Pont, and Nicky Rhodes.ORC chief executive Richard Saunders encouraged people to get out and vote.“We know people are busy and voting can slip down the ‘to do’ list. By voting in your local body elections, you’ll have your say on who will make important decisions on behalf of Otago communities for the next three years.”PHOTO: Supplied

With six candidates vying to be mayor of the Upper Clutha (and the rest of Queenstown Lakes district) we thought we’d ask them to identify the top three challenges facing Wānaka.We also asked the candidates - Glyn Lewers, Darren Rewi, John Glover, Nik Kiddle, Al Angus, and Daniel Shand - how they would engage with the Upper Clutha community if they become mayor.Darren Rewi: Top three challenges: Rates - $277M of expenditure and only $139M income through rates. How do we address the shortfall. A water [council controlled organisation] CCO is included in this mix, because regardless of whether the CCO is within or outside the council it's still nearly an additional $5K not including your rates bill. Growth - Does Wānaka sprawl or do we intensify. How does the council enable that conversation and not arrive with an ‘I know best’ attitude.Wānaka Airport - It's disappointing that the council is not listening to the community and any development.How he would engage with the community: “If the Upper Clutha community vote well and I was the mayor, there are some outstanding Wānaka based candidates for the role of deputy. Closer alignment with the community board and regular bi monthly meetings with the community.”John Glover: Restoring trust in QLDC. This has to happen if we are going to work together on better outcomes for our communities.Availability of places that people can afford to call home - be that owned or rented. And ensuring our kids or grandkids can have the same opportunities that we have.Growth without the provision of public transport, bridges, wastewater and any sense of good urban design.How he would engage with the community: “Listening to the residents would be a great start and make a refreshing change. I’d establish a working group - the residents would decide who that is - to listen to how people feel about QLDC and why; allow full public scrutiny of the finances, and identify what changes can and should be made to restore trust, deliver equity and reduce costs. I’d make myself available for a monthly drop in session at the community hub (if they’d have me!). I’d ensure council hold more of its meetings and workshops in the Upper Clutha. I’d attend regular meetings with the chamber and [Wānaka tourism organisation]”Nik Kiddle: Controlling growth so that it protects the outstanding natural environment and matches infrastructure capacity, especially waste and wastewater management and roading infrastructure including the Albert Town bridge.  Securing improved public health services including via public private partnerships leveraging the government’s elective boost programme.Achieving community driven outcomes for Wānaka Airport.How he would engage with the community: “Be there, regularly. I visit at least once a fortnight and would welcome invitations to participate personally in events. We will continue to convene council meetings in Wānaka and maintain direct, open lines of communication with the community board, as well as working seamlessly with Wānaka’s elected council representatives. Staying tuned in to Wānaka media helps inform ongoing engagement and being accessible via phone and email is essential for the mayor's ongoing engagement with Wānaka.” Al Angus: The council's refusal to engage, or when they do it's nothing more than a cynical box ticking exercise.Council's deliberately sluggish consent processes, from simple sheds and fences to houses. They drag it out, sucking as much money as possible out of the process.Forward planning infrastructure so if today’s children can afford homes there at least they won't face the council delivered disaster facing Queenstown.How he would engage: “If I became mayor it would make sense for me to have accommodation in Wānaka for a day or two every meeting. I'd be happy to set aside time to meet singularly or in groups Wānaka locals and discuss their concerns.”Glyn Lewers and Daniel Shand did not respond.PHOTOS: Supplied

Health services and infrastructure is the third hot topic facing the Upper Clutha which the Wānaka App has asked local body election candidates’ their views about.The Upper Clutha has been underserved for years in access to health services: Our population is almost four hours’ drive from the nearest tertiary hospital and over an hour’s drive from an emergency department, and has to pay for services such as radiology and blood tests.Health NZ Te Whatu Ora is currently undertaking a clinical services review for the wider Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago area which will be completed in December; meanwhile investors and other groups are moving ahead with plans for health infrastructure in the hope the public sector will come to the party.The Wānaka App asked candidates for the Wānaka Ward of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) who they think should be responsible for planning for and developing health infrastructure in this district.Read more: Who is shaping the future of our health services?Council candidates respondLyal Cocks: “Health NZ is responsible for producing a Clinical Services Plan (CSP) to identify what is needed and where. Private health infrastructure has and is being built in our region from which Health NZ can contract public services.Based on the CSP, shortfalls can be identified and will need to be addressed. This is one of the focuses for the Regional Deal negotiations.Barry Bruce: “Healthcare is a concern for many of our residents, particularly young families and our older residents, made even more critical given our remote location and lengthy travel distances to major healthcare facilities.Ultimately healthcare is a nationwide social responsibility incumbent on central government. Despite this, local government does have a responsibility to represent our communities by advocating and lobbying central government to ensure adequate medical services are provided in a timely manner.In addition where private medical facilities are being proposed, council should be proactive in enabling the planning and consenting process to progress quickly.”Niki Gladding: “In my ideal world, health infrastructure and services are publicly delivered without the post-code lottery. But underinvestment has created pressing needs and a gap that the private sector is now stepping in to fill.The government must respond in a way that ensures affordable, equitable access to public services. If that response involves leasing private infrastructure, the government is responsible for deciding where public services are needed and for following procurement rules to ensure the best deal for taxpayers.The Queenstown-centric, developer-driven approach via Regional Deal is the wrong way to go about things if we want great health outcomes.”Craig Gasson: “You would expect it to be central government. The entity we pay our taxes to and rely on to facilitate medical needs. As this seems not the case, we need to pivot for solutions.This is where private/public partnerships are key. The health offerings or lack thereof have always been in plain sight. To say otherwise is disingenuous to us of the Upper Clutha. I applaud the efforts of Health Action Wānaka to expose, and facilitate change.” Yeverley McCarthy: “The provision and planning for health infrastructure in the district is not the purview of the QLDC, it is a central government issue. The QLDC is involved in health through their regulatory requirements in environmental, food and liquor. There is a need for advocacy in the space from the health experts and users in the area and this is happening now with the great work done by the Wānaka Health Action Group.With the growth of the area it is inevitable that we have more health services here and the Roa project is certainly a very positive announcement.”Nicola King: “Healthcare in New Zealand is designed to be universally accessible, which makes central government responsible for funding and delivering health infrastructure. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the system isn’t keeping up with the needs of our district. Which means local government is left in a difficult position.While councils can’t fund health services directly, they can play a role in planning, advocating, and ensuring infrastructure aligns with community growth. We must be careful not to rely too much on privatised healthcare, as it can increase inequality in access.”Quentin Smith, Cody Tucker, and Thorsk Westphal did not respond.Community Board candidates respondSimon Telfer: “Strictly it’s a central government role but we have an engaged community that came out in force for the initial health public meeting last year. Our voice has been heard and we need to be grateful for Health Action Wānaka continuing community advocacy. I’m proud to have stood up and said it’s time for action, particularly with regards to the 24 hour urgent care service.”John Wellington: “The Ministry of Health through Health New Zealand should be responsible for planning and developing health facilities in the district. Council and the community have a key role advocating for these services especially where the ministry has failed to recognise or provide the necessary level of services the rapidly growing Central Otago community desperately require.We need to ensure that the location of any new hospital or facility serves the whole Central Otago community equitably and I would argue that Cromwell rather than Queenstown or Wānaka would be the best location.”Linda Joll: “Ideally our health system would be funded planned and developed by our national health system, however the district has been completely let down to the bottom of the barrel; the district now has a health crisis, with emergency, surgeries, birthing, cancer treatments, mental health, dental treatments, etc.”Kathy Dedo: “Ideally central government should build and provide core services like health care. If there are collaborative opportunities for private or for-purpose sectors to invest and enhance the infrastructure to support these services, I’m supportive of considering these options.”Chris Hadfield and John Bache did not respond.PHOTO: Supplied

A new bloc of candidates for Otago Regional Council (ORC) is promising not just a rates freeze, but actual rates cuts.Vision Otago, which includes sitting Dunstan councillors Michael Laws and Gary Kelliher, launched its rates and finance policy this week, pledging to “reduce rates, not hold them” over their first council term.The group said its campaign is fuelled by what it calls the “obscene annual rate rises” of recent years.While this year the average rates rise for the region was 5.5 percent - significantly lower than the forecast 13.8 percent - it was 16.6 percent, 18.8 percent, 18 percent, and 48.5 percent in the years preceding.Michael said households in Central Otago and Southern Lakes often experienced rates rises higher than average.Both he and Gary refused to sign off on rates rises in the past term in a bid to “instil more responsibility to the council’s finances”.Vision Otago argues the council has let spending spiral, pointing to staff numbers they say have almost doubled in recent years, a new Dunedin headquarters that is over budget and behind schedule, and the contrast of still hiking rates despite fully owning Port Otago and banking a $15M dividend last year.“In the midst of a cost of living crisis – when farmers, businesses and ordinary households are doing it tough – the ORC has purposefully turned a blind eye,” Michael said.“This isn’t so much not reading the room – this is not reading the region.”In the Dunstan constituency, a third candidate for council, Nicky Rhodes, a commercial real estate agent based in Wānaka, is also running on the Vision Otago ticket.The elections will be conducted by postal vote using, for the first time, the Single Transferable Vote system, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference and can encourage strategic grouping.At a meet-the-candidates event held in central Queenstown on Monday night (September 1), local Queenstown-based ORC hopefuls Matt Hollyer and Ben Farrell reportedly joined forces to suggest voters rank them ‘1’ and ‘2’ on the ballot - then stop there, to up the chance of a strong Wakatipu voice on the council.The Dunstan constituency covers the communities of Wānaka, Cromwell, Tarras, Makarora, Alexandra, Maniototo and Teviot Valley, in addition to Queenstown.Long-standing Central Otago councillor and deputy mayor Neil Gillespie, of Cromwell, and Maniototo-based community worker Aime Pont round out the seven candidates vying for election to the four seats representing the area - up from three at the last election.Ballot papers are expected in letterboxes throughout the region later in September, with voting closing on Saturday, October 11. PHOTOS: Supplied

Urban intensification is the second hot topic facing the Upper Clutha which the Wānaka App has asked local body election candidates’ their views about.A Wānaka session of hearings on the Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) has been underway this week.The UIV is an outcome of the previous government’s 2020 national policy statement on urban development (NPS-UD), which directs councils around the country to remove some planning rules and plan for growth.Under the proposal, the regulations for Lower Density Suburban Residential (LDSR) zones would change to allow for building height up to 8m in most cases, and in Medium Density Residential (MDR) zones heights of 11m (+ 1m for pitched roofs).It would also allow for heights in the Wānaka CBD of 16.5m (up from 12m).Find detailed information on the proposed UIV and how it would work here.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board candidates respondSimon Telfer: “If Wānaka continues to grow at its current rate we can't afford sprawl - we've seen what happens with traffic congestion in Queenstown. The cost of providing associated housing infrastructure and services is already a burden on ratepayers and will only increase with sprawl. So I support increased residential density in Three Parks and in the town's CBD.People make for a sustainable town centre, so giving residents the choice to live, work and play close together can bring energy, vibrancy and a smile to retailers. Public transport hubs and good walking and biking connections close to these areas provide many additional benefits to the whole community too.”Chris Hadfield: “This is basically a government directive to supposedly ensure well functioning urban environments. However in Wānaka there is a general reluctance to increase the intensity of buildings as well as the increase in the allowable height. Given the geography of the town and the relatively flat central area and the outlook residents have there is little acceptance of the plan.Should this go ahead I believe there needs to be very careful and thorough consideration given to every street that is to be considered. To date the implementation has been too broad and too little consideration given to the effects on the livability of each area.” John Wellington: “In principle I support the UIV proposal as we need to develop upwards rather than outwards as a general theme to have more efficient service delivery - water, sewerage, fibre etc and make public transport a more practical option. I do have concerns regarding for the area south of Brownston St, as a key reason for intensification is the ability to provide affordable apartments, and given the views etc, I don’t see that being delivered there.I am much more supportive in green fields sites like the soon to be developed residential part of Three Parks.”Kathy Dedo: “The 2017 LINK Upper Clutha ‘3 Questions’ survey revealed what residents value about this place and how it could be even better. Managing growth, better infrastructure, and affordability were top improvement themes. Still key issues, these highlight the tension between a desire to maintain Wānaka’s unique character and the need to do things differently to enable people to affordably live and work here.The Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) to the Proposed District Plan – part of central government’s direction to councils to loosen building restrictions and allow more and taller buildings in some areas – also tests that balance. A one-size-fits-all directive primarily aimed at urban centres doesn’t take into account our smaller town’s special character. Submissions on the UIV are mostly opposed, with concerns about increased height affecting overall village character, sun, and views across the CBD and in the proposed residential areas.Many have suggested increased density elsewhere (eg Three Parks and other greenfields locations). Intensification in highly capitalised areas is unlikely to lead to more affordable housing as this land is already very expensive. The intent of the UIV may make sense in theory, but its application as currently proposed for Wānaka doesn’t. I think any plan variation should be considered in the context of the Spatial Plan and a refreshed Wānaka Town Centre Masterplan that integrates transport and parking solutions. Intensification might be a piece of the growth puzzle, but should not be the first one put into place.”John Bache: “I understand the Urban Intensification Variation proposes managed densification through increased building heights in specific Wānaka zones - eight metres in Lower Density Residential areas, 11 metres in Medium Density zones, and 16.5 metres in the CBD.This aims to accommodate growth 'up' rather than through continued outward sprawl. I support urban intensification in principle as a more sustainable approach to growth than sprawl. However, implementation must carefully balance enabling appropriate levels of housing density with preserving Wānaka's character and community needs.When it comes to the CBD, I would prefer to limit such dramatic height increases to the Three Parks area/ new developments, rather than implementing them in the existing downtown centre which has such a special and unique character.”Linda Joll did not respond.Council candidates respondAs Lyal Cocks is one of the hearing commissioners for the UIV, he has declined to comment. Quentin Smith: “The UIV plan change is currently going through [a] hearing process and could result in increased height limits and higher densities in many parts of Wānaka. It is a government directed change through the NPS (National policy statement) for Urban development. One of the many top down legal and policy directions that are imposed on councils.It is a tricky issue, the NPS tries to apply metropolitan solutions to places like Wānaka which is a poor fit, particularly relating to transport. I support intensification and increased heights in the right places that can be efficiently serviced with transport (like public transport) and cost efficient infrastructure. I support a strategic approach to planning that has the right land use in the right places and responds to local circumstances.Things like the Spatial Plan should play a key part in land use planning moving forward even if the RMA changes.”Barry Bruce: “The NPSUD- national policy statement on urban development, is a directive from Central Government requiring councils to look at opportunities to plan for more intensified urban development, particularly close to public transport hubs and community facilities - the objective being to reduce vehicle use and encourage alternative transport modes.I have two alternative views on how intensification may be applied in this area. On one hand I believe it is essential to protect our small town character and feel - the very unique attributes that attract both permanent residents and visitors to our town. Balancing this, there may be some potential for limited intensification in the CBD area with some considerations for minimising sun shading and retaining lake and mountain views. On the other hand, I believe there may be opportunities for intensification in areas such as Three Parks without having a negative effect on the character of the town centre.A level of intensification in this area could meet some of the central government objectives, including, living close to employment, community amenities, facilities and services, thus minimising the need for vehicle travel. My conclusion is while I agree with some of the intensification objectives sought by central government, the policy does have an element of “one size fits all” and does not take into consideration the uniqueness of our area including the environment, historical and community sentiment or the lack of public transport services.”Cody Tucker: “UIV is about allowing for greater intensification of housing through higher height limits and smaller minimum lot sizes to enable denser development and more housing choice near shops, services, and transport nodes.Great for places like Three Parks, questionable for places like Hāwea south where there are currently no shops, no services and no transport nodes or public transport.” Niki Gladding: “The UIV is a proposed change to the District Plan that attempts to implement Policy 5 of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development. The requirement is to intensify specified urban environments, listed in the NPS, in line with demand for housing and the level of accessibility to jobs and commercial centres.Firstly, I support intensification in sensible locations. Unfortunately, Policy 5 is a blunt directive that makes it difficult and costly to ‘spare’ areas from nonsensical intensification. I spoke at the hearing this week because I don’t believe a Policy 5 approach to intensification is required for Wānaka as it’s not a listed Tier 2 environment. Where we don’t have to apply Policy 5, we shouldn’t. I also submitted because the proposal includes intensification in, and adjacent to, flood, liquefaction, and landslide hazards – without QLDC having done the work to understand the natural hazard risk.The council has assumed that natural hazard risk can and will be managed at the consent level – foisting the responsibility on applicants and creating uncertainty, inefficiencies, and (potentially) liabilities, in the process. Based on my experiences in Glenorchy, it's clear you can’t upzone a known hazard area and then expect to be able to reject an application based on natural hazard risk – because the zoning implies risk tolerance. Under the UIV it might also be difficult to recover development contributions for network capacity upgrades – if enabled intensification is provided for but never actually realised. We should have upzoned in fewer locations."Craig Gasson: “As an urban design principle I support intensification, building up instead of out has been proven to deliver more affordable housing in urban areas, in part because it’s more efficient from an infrastructure perspective. But, I don’t believe there’s a huge need for a lot of intensification in and around Wānaka.Certainly not in the town centre, we need to retain its character, and any height relaxation or intensification there needs to be a lot more thought out, and frankly left for another day. I have no issue with some mid rise type buildings being permitted in areas like Three Parks, that’s clearly becoming the new commercial hub of Wānaka. But I think we need to recognise we’re not yet a major urban area, we have an abundance of naturally flat and developable land in and around Wānaka. It doesn’t make sense to me to allow apartment buildings when there’s paddocks two minutes down the road.There’s certainly an argument for intensification in Queenstown and Frankton, given their infrastructure challenges, but I’m in the camp that says that overloaded infrastructure needs to [be] resolved first, before intensification, and there’s an argument that all development on that side of the hill should pause until those issues are resolved.”Yeverley McCarthy: “I am opposed to UIV in the CBD. I agree with Mark Gray who stated "the character underwrites the value of the town to residents and visitors alike and is integral to the national and international reputation of Wānaka as an alpine resort destination".The logical place for 16.5m building and intensification is in Three Parks or that vicinity where it will not impact on the uniqueness of our Waterfront/Alpine precinct.”Nicola King: “The Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) is a contentious issue. It’s being driven by the National government’s policy direction, which doesn’t recognise Wānaka’s unique character and scale. We’re being treated the same as cities like Dunedin and Whangārei - with populations four times larger than ours. Smarter planning is essential, and “up not out” has merit. But how we implement it matters.A height increase to 16.5m in the CBD would completely change the village feel that defines Wānaka. The aim of intensification is to house more people near jobs and amenities, reducing traffic. In theory that works, but here most people will still own cars — because of the town’s spread, our outdoor lifestyle, and limited transport options.Without addressing parking, we risk creating another problem. We also need to ask: who are we building for?If it is ‘affordable housing’, CBD apartments are unlikely to provide it. The Lakeview development in Queenstown shows high-rise doesn’t equal affordable. We should be realistic about where homes can be built at a price locals can manage, while protecting Wānaka’s unique character. Growth and change are inevitable, but we can shape them in a way that works for our community.That doesn’t have to mean five-storey buildings in the heart of town. I encourage all residents to read the UIV information online and make a submission. This is our chance to ensure growth happens in a way that makes sense for Wānaka.”Thorsk Westphal: “Creating further intensification and building heights under the UIV must, again, be a balanced approach between the need for additional, affordable housing and the, in my view, bigger need to preserve the character and beauty of the town as it looks today.‘We don't want another Queenstown’ is what I have heard from locals for so many years, and I agree. Intensification, including greater permissible building heights, could make sense in areas that are further from the CBD and lakefront, eg around Three Parks, where the overall appearance of Wānaka township would not be affected negatively. After all, that appearance is part of what attracts tourists to Wānaka, and is most loved by locals as well.”Mayoral candidates respondGlyn Lewers: “The Urban Intensification Variation (UIV) is a central government direction for Councils such as QLDC to meet. It is a requirement under the National Policy Statement for Urban Development (NPS-UD) policy five.The issue of the UIV was the subject of one of the first letters I received from a Minister to say QLDC was behind in its implementation and there is an expectation that the variation will proceed. The UIV was first introduced to the council table when I was a councillor; the first pass was a rudimentary blanket height lift across areas based on some qualifying matters such as; they could have access to public transport in the future.We got some weird outcomes like six storey apartments on the Hāwea lake front. We then did a second assessment with some further qualifying matters and this went out to the public for consultation.The frustrating part about the process is we could not assess infrastructure capacity as a qualifying matter. This has not been without controversy; we have had a very strong public response which is good, with varied opinions. The current state of the process is that it is at the public hearings stage, we had the Wānaka hearings this week. Next the commissioners will deliberate and make a decision.My view is that this whole process shows that one size fits all approach from the government does not work. However the NPS-UD is one of a few national direction policies that have a bipartisan approach.”   Nik Kiddle: “The council’s “one size fits all” approach to raising building heights and encouraging housing intensification needs to be modified to accommodate communities’ concerns.These include shading/sunlight, privacy and vehicle management. It must not threaten or erode the special character of our most precious historical areas. Like others in the district, I want to see respect for design guidelines and modifications to plan variations to achieve these goals.We should continue to allow higher and more dense housing in appropriate areas, up against steep surroundings and in specified greenfield developments.” John Glover: “While I consider there are places where it would be appropriate to build higher and at a greater density, I don’t subscribe to a one size fits all approach. Communities like Hāwea and Arrowtown have spent many months working to agree and verbalise what ‘good’ looks like for them in the long term, from built, amenity and spatial standpoints.I believe a better way forward would be to ask communities: ‘If you had to increase the density of housing in your area, where would be the best place to do that and what design constraints would provide the best outcome?’From the work I’ve done with many communities in our district over the years, I find they are pragmatic, objective and generally know innately what the best outcomes would look like. The trouble is, we don’t often start by asking the basic question and only consult when we have a pre-determined option.”Al Angus: “It's my experience that any proposal with ‘intensive’ in its headline is a multi level disaster for everyone and everything concerned, except the proponents that generally reap tens of millions and usually disappear as the reality and scope of the irreversible damage become clear. Easy examples are, intensive tourism, intensive dairying, intensive care, intensive housing estates are generally cheap built junk with a brooding tense atmosphere, not at all like the Disney like lifestyles in the brochures.”Darren Rewi and Daniel Shand did not respond.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A series of podcasts presenting council and mayoral candidates in the upcoming local body elections is now available live on Youtube.The Inside Voices podcasts are designed to be more light-hearted than investigative, driven by gentle curiosity rather than a political grilling and encouraging candidates to reveal the people behind the politics.Podcast producer Esther Whitehead said she was aiming for optimism and realism in equal measure - “a conversation that goes beyond policy to explore the people behind the campaign flyers.”“It's like having a virtual cuppa with candidates, with them all answering the same open questions across a 20-to-30-minute chat each,” she said."I wanted to create something that helps our community understand the role of councillors and the real people standing as candidates, and provide media which is accessible and different to candidate debates.”Topics covered include the candidates’ motivation to stand for council; what world views shape their decisions; and what are their beliefs about leadership and collaboration. “[We] keep things low-key and human. No ‘gotcha’ moments – just a chance to connect with people in a different way,” she said.Esther conducted similar interviews three years ago during the last council elections but only with mayoral candidates.This time she’s expanded the pool by asking all council candidates to participate as well as the mayoral candidates, and so far 23 out of the 25 have recorded interviews.Already the podcasts have been viewed more than 500 times since they went live on Monday (August 25).Esther has served as a Queenstown Lakes District councillor for the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward since she was elected in a by-election in June 2021, but has chosen not to stand again this year. Back in 2021 she was excited by the potential direction local government was heading in but that enthusiasm has waned in recent months and, for a variety of reasons, she’s no longer “prepared to put her head above the parapet”.She has a job outside council: “I’ve done my dash for the community and now I’d like to invest my energy where I feel it will be best spent,” she said.View the videos here: Candidate Videos.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A high staffing ratio and debt load but low day-to-day spending are characteristics of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), according to a new nationwide council performance measurement framework introduced to provide a picture of how councils compare.Led by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the first set of metrics was published on July 31.QLDC has been categorised in the ‘Large Metro Group’ of councils alongside Wellington, Palmerston North, Christchurch and others.This category features councils with populations of 100,000 or more, or others - like QLDC - with fewer residents but “considered metros within the sector”, DIA said.“QLDC’s placement in the 'Large Metro Group' of councils reflects government recognition of our district as one of the most significant in the country, particularly in terms of our high levels of growth and tourism which have consequential impacts on the levels of services and investment that we need to provide to our community,” a QLDC spokesperson said.QLDC has the second smallest population of all 11 councils in the group at 52,900, but its land area of 8,719 km² is nearly ten times the group average.These factors should be considered when comparing other metrics.QLDC employs 488 staff in total, well below the group average of 927, but its staffing ratio - 9.2 staff per 1,000 residents - is the highest of all the councils. The group average is 6.1.On day-to-day operation cost, QLDC is relatively lean. In 2024 it spent 88 percent of its revenue on operating expenses, the lowest in the group, compared with an average of 96 percent.When it comes to future investment, QLDC’s 2025–2027 capital expenditure is set to total around $520.6M, well below the $878.6M average. However, it also has the highest net debt divided by rates income at 272 percent, compared to the group average of 161 percent.Across the different categories, QLDC stands out for its high staffing ratio and debt load, but low day-to-day spending and smaller capital programme.The QLDC spokesperson said the information in the performance measurement framework was sourced from a combination of its annual reports, annual plans, long term plans, and other sources.The new performance measurement framework is part of the government’s broader Local Government Systems Improvement (LGSI) programme.Although the initial metrics focus on financial indicators, the framework will expand over time to include service delivery, governance, and contractor expenditure.In August 2024, the government announced measures to refocus councils in response to cost of living concerns.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said concerns about rising rates meant council spending needed to focus on core services and infrastructure, with greater efficiency in decision-making.PHOTO: Wānaka App

This week the Wānaka App starts asking candidates for local body elections their views on a range of hot topics facing the Upper Clutha.We’re easing into ‘eight weeks of hot topics’ by asking their views on the proposal to rename Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to something which better reflects the range of communities within the district.Proposal advocate Michael Sidey said he doesn’t have a particular name in mind, but is in favour of something like ‘Southern Lakes District Council’ - “which de-centres Queenstown”.Read more: Push for Queenstown Lakes District Council Name Change ResurfacesThe idea of a name change for QLDC was last mooted in 2023 but it was scotched by the council, who said it wasn’t a priority.The Wānaka App asked the candidates for QLDC mayor, the Wānaka Ward of the QLDC, and the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board whether or not they supported the proposed name change.Mayoral candidates respondFive of the six mayoral candidates responded, with incumbent mayor Glyn Lewers and John Glover saying they weren’t against the change, but noting that central government has signalled changes ahead for regional council, meaning this may not be the right time.Glyn said a name change “is not on the priority list”; rather he is concentrating on delivering infrastructure and the regional deal negotiations. John suggested “Otago Alpine Lakes District might be a better description”, but also noted that the cost of a name change could be prohibitive.Darren Rewi said the question should be put to the community and progress made if there is a consensus, adding that a name change would "bring all the communities closer together”; while Nik Kiddle and Al Angus supported the proposed name change, with Al suggesting ‘Lakes County Council’ for a new name.Nik said a name change would “better reflect the geography, culture and communities of the wider district”. Daniel Shand did not respond.QLDC Wānaka Ward candidates respondDeputy mayor Quentin Smith raised similar concerns about the timing, costs, and looming local government reforms. “The primary focus of council needs to be on rebuilding trust and confidence in the council, which is currently at an all time low,” he said. Lyal Cocks was clear that while he wasn’t opposed to consideration of a name change, the work and cost required was “in my view [not] a priority alongside the other things we currently need to get done for the benefit of our communities”. Barry Bruce said he was “neutral” on the issue, while Cody Tucker said he supported the name change, “a symbol of our identity”.“To put it another way, we would hate it if New Zealand was ‘Australia +’ to make it easier for Americans to know where we are.”But with rising rates and reforms on the horizon he offered an alternative: “a quick and cheap start would be to practice what we preach and drop Wānaka from [the] Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board”. Niki Gladding said there was merit in the argument for a name change, but said it was worth considering what “problem we're trying to solve”, and if it was “a lack of focus on Wānaka, it might be worth considering other solutions as well - like significantly diversifying and expanding the Wānaka-based workforce”.She also sounded caution about costs, but said initial steps could be taken - “without involving consultants".Aspiring candidate Yeverley McCarthy said her focus was on rates and the delivery of infrastructure, saying a name change would be a ‘nice to have’ but not a priority.Nicola King also questioned whether “a more inclusive name” was the right priority in “challenging financial times”; and Thorsk Westphal was clear that while ‘Central Lakes District’ or similar would “be ideal”, the cost of a rebranding put it low on the list of priorities.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board candidates respondSimon Telfer supported a name change, but said the implementation cost of a change combined with Queenstown’s “zero appetite to rename” meant it was unlikely to happen until there was a Wānaka mayor.John Wellington had a similar view, saying: “Heart says yes but brain says no”. “I really don’t see that the effects of the change would be sufficient to justify the costs involved”. Chris Hadfield, who is also behind the push for a name change, argued that Wānaka is currently “left out of the picture”. “The current name doesn’t reflect the entire district and a name change will start the process towards us having our own identity as part of a wider area,” he said.Linda Joll also “fully support[ed]” a name change, saying the district’s diversity should be recognised and it was “time for a refresh”.Aspiring board candidate Kathy Dedo also supported a name change, suggesting ‘Southern Lakes District Council’, however she suggested consulting residents during the next Annual Plan (2026) or Long Term Plan development (2027).Aspiring candidate John Bache said the name “isn't fully representative of our diverse region”, but rebranding would “be extremely expensive and time-consuming”. “Given recent high rate increases, although I appreciate the underlying motivation, I question the timing and financial wisdom of this initiative.” Read more: Fresh faces in final candidate lineupFind more information on all the candidates here: Election 2025.PHOTO: Wānaka App

A political scientist says the new voting system for Otago Regional Council (ORC) elections is straightforward and fair, despite two Dunstan councillors calling it confusing and unnecessary.“The single transferable vote (STV) is a very easy system for voters to use,” University of Otago politics professor Janine Hayward told The Central App. “Rank the candidates in order of your preference. Vote honestly - there is no need for tricky strategies. You don’t need to rank everyone - if you don’t rate them, don’t rank them.”In this October’s elections, Central Otago voters will use first past the post (FPP) to elect their district councillors and community board members, but STV for the regional council. The change was approved by a majority of ORC councillors last year.Professor Hayward said STV ensures more votes count towards electing a candidate. FPP, she said, “wastes votes in two ways” - on people who receive far more than they need to be elected, and on those who do not receive enough to get in at all. “That means that lots of people don’t help to elect anyone in FPP elections, and a minority of voters can elect multiple people to represent them.”STV was designed to fix that problem and does a better job of accurately reflecting the preferences of the whole community, she said.“It creates a single vote, that can transfer according to your own ranking. If your first vote ‘1’ is for someone who didn’t need it or didn’t get elected, your vote can transfer to your next preference. “It’s like an insurance policy to make sure that as many people as possible have the chance to elect one person to represent them in council.”While acknowledging two voting systems on one ballot paper was “not good”, Professor Hayward said Dunedin voters had managed the situation since the early 2000s with little increase in spoiled or blank votes. “Now that ORC is using STV, it would reduce the risk of voters becoming confused if all other councils in the region also change to STV to avoid this problem.”She rejected suggestions the move was politically motivated. “Regardless of whether communities vote for left-wing or right-wing candidates, or something else entirely, that will be reflected in the result.”Her comments follow criticism last month from Dunstan councillors Michael Laws and Gary Kelliher, who described the dual voting systems as “madness” and “suspicious”, and accused Dunedin-based councillors of pushing the change.Both councillors are seeking re-election, while newcomers Ben Farrell, Neil Gillespie, Matt Hollyer, Aime Pont and Wānaka’s Nicky Rhodes have also thrown their hats in the ring.Dunstan’s third sitting councillor, Alexa Forbes, is not seeking re-election. Following a representation review last year, the constituency has gained an additional councillor at this year’s elections, leaving seven candidates vying for four seats.Voting papers will be sent to enrolled voters in September, with voting closing at noon on Saturday, October 11.Read more: Dunstan councillors oppose STV voting shift for ORC electionsPHOTO: Kaipara District Council

Final candidates for the October local body elections have now been confirmed and they include fresh faces as well as long-standing representatives.The final lineup offers a real choice for the Upper Clutha in district councillors, community board members, and regional councillors. Nine candidates for Wānaka Ward, QLDCLast minute nominations took the number of people running for the Wānaka Ward of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to nine, competing for just four seats.They are the four incumbents (Quentin Smith, Lyal Cocks, Barry Bruce, and Cody Tucker), and incumbent Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward councillor Niki Gladding - who is now a resident of Wānaka. The councillors have been joined by four more candidates: long term Wānaka resident and business owner Craig Gasson, long term Hāwea resident and community volunteer Yeverley McCarthy, Wānaka-raised environmental advocate Nicola King, and global restaurant chain CMO Thorsk Westphal.Yeverley, who has been active in a wide range of community groups from Plunket to boards of trustees and the Wānaka Community Hub, says she offers “a pragmatic approach… to deliver the basics well and within budget and to ensure that we keep our rates under control”. Nicola - who was born and raised in Wānaka and has a Masters in Sustainable Business - says she “cares deeply about the people and environment that make this place special”, and believes “council should reflect the voices of the families, workers, and everyday people who live here”.Thorsk says he has lived in Wānaka “off and on for the last 30 years”, and his skills from more than 20 years in the corporate world enable him to “manage existing resources efficiently and for maximum impact”.Read more: Wānaka businessman Craig Gasson announces council bidSix candidates for four seats on Wānaka Upper Clutha Community BoardThere are also more candidates (six) than seats (four) for the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board.Incumbents Simon Telfer, John Wellington, Chris Hadfield, and Linda Joll have been joined by Wānaka governance professional Kathy Dedo, and newcomer to Wānaka John Bache, an international business strategist and long-time action sports advocate.ORC: Seven candidates for four seatsThere are seven candidates for four spots on Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Dunstan constituency: incumbents Michael Laws and Gary Keliher, Central Otago District councillor Neil Gillespie, Nicky Rhodes of Wānaka, Matt Hollyer and Ben Farrell of Queenstown, and Amie Pont of Ranfurly.New faces for ORC: Nicky Rhodes (top left), Amie Pont (top right), Matt Hollyer (bottom left), Ben Farrell (bottom right).Neil, who is based in Alexandra, is the current deputy mayor of Central Otago District.Nicky, Gary and Michael are part of ‘Vision Otago,’ which Gary described as “a loose group of like-minded thinkers… all about saving the ORC from itself”.Gary said the group was not a political alignment, but went on to say “ORC staff are just so aligned with the previous government, and now the ORC has attracted nationwide attention, something has to be done”.Matt Hollyer, who has lived in Queenstown for 29 years, has had a long career in tourism and conservation and years of community volunteering.Ben Farrell is the owner and director of Cue Environmental Ltd, an independent planning consultancy in Queenstown.Find information about all the candidates at the Wānaka App’s ‘Election 2025’ button.Voting papers will be delivered to all enrolled voters between Tuesday September 9 and Monday September 22, with voting open through until midday on Saturday October 11. PHOTOS: Supplied

Every seat in the Queenstown Lakes District Council will be contested in the local body elections, as will the Dunstan constituency for Otago Regional Council (ORC).Nominations closed yesterday (Friday August 1) after a flurry of nominations during the week.There are six mayoralty candidates; seven candidates for the Wānaka Ward’s four seats; and six candidates for the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board’s four seats.Over the hill there are five candidates for the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward’s three seats and seven candidates for the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward’s four seats.QLDC CEO Mike Theelen said it was great to see a range of new and returning faces put their hand up to represent their community. “We have a great mix of experienced councillors seeking re-election this term and fresh faces bringing new perspectives,” he said.“That level of interest and engagement is good news for our community and local democracy.” The focus now moves to encouraging the community to get to know their candidates and then get out and vote for who they feel will best represent them as elected members, he said.At the regional level, Wanaka-based Nicky Rhodes has teamed up with ORC councillors Gary Kelliher and Michael Laws in the Dunstan constituency to form ‘Vision Otago,’ along with Carmen Hope (Molyneux), Chanel Gardner (Dunedin) and former Dunedin City councillor Hilary Calvert.Amie Pont from Ranfurly is also in the running for the Dunstan ward of the ORC, alongside Matt Hollyer and Ben Farrell from Queenstown. Gary Kelliher said, when contacted, that ‘Vision Otago’ was not a political alignment, “but a loose group of like-minded thinkers… we’re all about saving the ORC from itself”.Find information about all the candidates at the Wānaka App’s ‘Election 2025’ button.Voting papers will be delivered to all enrolled voters between Tuesday September 9 and Monday September 22, with voting open through until midday on Saturday October 11. In a unique initiative to make voting more engaging, RealNZ is helping to elevate democracy by hosting ballot boxes at their two ski fields. Voters will be able to cast their votes at Cardrona Alpine Resort’s ticketing office (1,670 metres) and Treble Cone’s ticketing area (1,260 metres).  Additionally, a one-day-only ballot box will be available at the Crown Range lookout on Friday 10 October, offering locals an opportunity to vote at one of the highest and most scenic elevation points in Aotearoa. PHOTO: Supplied

New Wānaka resident John Bache, an international business strategist and long-time action sports advocate, has announced his candidacy for the Wānaka–Upper Clutha Community Board in the upcoming local body elections.After more than two decades living and working in Germany, John returned to Aotearoa in 2024 and has since made Wānaka his home. “I’m standing because I care deeply about this place and the people who call it home,” John said.“This is a truly special community - and making good decisions now will shape how well we thrive in the future.” John said he brings over 20 years of global experience helping organisations adapt, grow, and communicate clearly in complex environments. A passionate snowboarder and mountain biker since the 1980s, he was part of New Zealand’s first wave of riders, and began actively advocating for both sports in the 1990s. His campaign priorities include sustainable growth, support for local business, improved access to health services (especially mental health), and stronger public infrastructure - particularly public transport and safe bike paths. On environmental issues, John is especially focused on the protection and restoration of local waterways, which he sees as a defining and threatened asset of the Upper Clutha region. “I believe in community-led decision-making, and I’m here to listen, learn, and put in the mahi,” John said. “If I can be useful to the future of this place, I’d be honoured to serve.”Meanwhile, board incumbent and Wānaka business owner Chris Hadfield is standing for a third term on the board.He has lived in Wānaka for nearly 20 years and is passionate about the Upper Clutha, he said."My main desire is to get more engagement from the community as we work through the next three years,” he said.“We have some basic things to complete, such as making the town centre more pedestrian friendly with additional formal crossings. I would like to see the conclusion of the public transport strategy so that we can begin to see some meaningful options for people to use buses.”A related topic is parking, Chris said. “Our biggest issues here are the poorly monitored enforcement and the time restrictions.” He said the future of Wānaka Airport is also a priority. “We have the time, the passion and the knowledge to create an airport that we can all be proud of and can be used by a multitude of diverse people.“I would like to continue to be an advocate for the whole community and I truly believe that when we work as one, Wānaka can be an even better place to live, work and play.”PHOTOS: Supplied

Nominations are closing soon, but Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says there is still time for people to stand in the upcoming local elections. To date there are six for four spots on the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) Wānaka Ward, including incumbent councillors Quentin Smith (current deputy mayor), Lyal Cocks, Barry Bruce, and Cody Tucker.In addition, long term Wānaka resident Craig Gasson announced his candidacy for council in May and a last-minute nomination for current Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward councillor Niki Gladding was announced this week. Niki is standing in Wānaka after a recent move here. There’s no shortage of mayoral candidates, however, with six current nominees, including incumbent Glyn Lewers, with Queenstown businessman Nik Kiddle, Shaping Our Future executive John Glover, Queenstown iwi consultant Darren Rewi, regular mayoral contestant Al Angus, and regular council aspirant Daniel Shand all vying for the top job.There are now more nominations for the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) than there are vacant seats, with incumbents Simon Telfer (the current chair), Chris Hadfield, John Wellington, and Linda Joll joined by local community leader Kathy Dedo and newcomer John Bache.Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Dunstan constituency, which this year has an extra (fourth) seat, has so far only received nominations from incumbent Gary Kelliher, former Central Otago District councillor Neil Gillespie, and Queenstown tourism manager Matt Hollyer.Candidate nominations close this Friday (August 1) at noon, with voting papers sent out from September 9-22 ahead of local elections on Saturday October 11.Your current choice of QLDC mayor: Glyn Lewers, John Glover, Nik Kiddle, Darren Rewi, Al Angus, Daniel Shand.LGNZ chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said the more candidates who stand at local elections, the more choice the community has on who represents their interests on councils. “Evidence tells us that the more candidates who contest a seat in an area, the higher the community’s interest will be in that election from a voting perspective. “It’s good democracy when people have a choice of who to vote for, so we welcome candidates putting up their hand to say ‘I want to be a voice for my community’.” She said past elections show that many candidates choose to wait until the final week to submit their nominations. “We strongly encourage candidates not to leave things to the last day, to allow time for information to be checked and any issues resolved.” More information is provided in LGNZ’s candidate guide and pre-election learning package.PHOTOS: Supplied/Jeannine Tuffin

Two more candidates have announced their intention to stand for the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board in the upcoming local body elections.They are Kathy Dedo and current board member Linda Joll, both professionals with substantial local involvement through years working with local charities.“I’ve been privileged to serve my community in a variety of roles over the past 23 years, and I’m excited to now put my hand up for local government,” Kathy said.“My experience in governance, business, and working at the heart of this community enables me to represent a wide range of views.”For the past 23 years, Kathy has worked and volunteered across a range of local community issues: serving on boards and committees of the Wānaka Business Chamber, Parenting4Life, Shaping our Future, Alpine Community Development Trust, Wānaka Area Youth Trust, Wānaka Alcohol Group, Holy Family School, and Montessori preschool. She is currently a board member of the Central Lakes Trust (deputy chair and Audit & Risk Committee chair) as well as chair of Sport Otago.She has recently completed a term on ministerial advisory group Kāpuia, advising the government on its response to the Christchurch mosque attacks.Her community roles have seen her play a strong part in local engagement and decision-making, including starting the community gardens that supply the Community Link foodbank, and accelerating public transport planning by leading the community shuttle trials. She also contributed to past iterations of the Wānaka Town Centre Masterplanning and Wānaka Airport Masterplanning, both of which will be refreshed soon.“Planning for the Upper Clutha’s future has been the focus of my work for years. I’d love the chance to continue that mahi on the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board,” Kathy said.Meanwhile, Linda – a director at Reset Urban Design who has lived in Wānaka since 2015 – is proud of the progress made during her first term on the WUCCB and is looking forward to building on that work.“This term will be one for actioning the priorities made by this existing community board, therefore I am fully committed to ensuring these priorities are community based, [and] have the best possible outcomes for the environment, the community, our tamariki, our wai, and our visitors,” she said.During the current term she has been on the environment portfolio, working alongside the Friends of Bullock Creek, Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust, WAI Wānaka, the Cardona Ratepayers and Residents Association, and others.“My trustee position on the Lakes District Arts Trust will continue to support the use of art in the landscape, and support more sculpture in our public spaces for all to enjoy and have easy access to,” she said. “We are so blessed to have a piece of the late Paul Dibble’s work on our lakefront, placed within our outstanding natural landscape for everyone to enjoy.”Linda, who has three adult children, also gives her time to Food for Love and Warbirds Over Wānaka. She says she’s motivated to continue contributing to the place she’s proud to call home.Candidate nominations for local body elections close this Friday (August 1).PHOTOS: Supplied

Simon Telfer, the current chair of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB), has announced he will stand again for the board at this year’s local body elections.“It has been a privilege to chair the community board over the past three years, but there is plenty of unfinished business,” he said.“We need continued strong leadership to ensure Wānaka and the Upper Clutha receive an equitable share of [Queenstown Lakes District Council] QLDC funding and prioritisation.”Simon said priority projects for the ward include increased sports fields and facilities, safer pedestrian crossing points in the town centre, a clearer future for Wānaka Airport, a new roundabout at the Golf Course/Ballantyne Road intersection, and protection of our natural environment, especially our two lakes“I’d also like the $5M+ languishing in the Wānaka Asset Sales (Scurr Heights) Reserve to be invested into community infrastructure as soon as possible,” he said.“The idea of a community facility in Albert Town has my support.”Simon said the highlights from his three years on the board included “leading last year’s community health public meeting, completing Mt Iron’s reserve management plan, expanding our walking and biking network, commencing Wānaka Airport’s future review and empowering the community to invest the Scurr Heights Fund”. As a trustee of the Armstrong Trust he was also proud of championing large donations to Te Kura o Titiea Mount Aspiring College (MAC) Foundation, Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust, and After Hours Urgent Care service, he said.“I’ve been fully committed to my elected role over the past three years, attending 200 community engagements, making hundreds of phone calls and sending 4,900 emails.“If re-elected I commit to ensuring QLDC gives the Upper Clutha its equitable share of resources and prioritisation; Developing more sports fields and facilities; Acting as a guardian for our beautiful natural environment; People being at the heart of Wānaka’s town centre redevelopment; and supporting our not for profit community, especially Health Action Wānaka.” Over the past 25 years Simon has acted as a director and advisor to privately owned businesses across New Zealand. He is a patron of the Festival of Colour and supporter of a number of local artists. He lives in Wānaka with his wife, Jo Shearer, and two daughters who attend MAC.

Queenstown resident Darren Rewi (Ngati Mamoe and Waitaha, Ngati Kahungungu ki Te Wairoa, Rongowhakaata, Ngati Porou) has announced he will stand for mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).He joins incumbent mayor Glyn Lewers, Shaping Our Future executive John Glover, and businessman Nik Kiddle in the mayoral race.Darren (62), who has lived in the district for 32 years, has been involved in a wide range of community and governance roles.“Enabling and empowering all communities from Makarora to Tahuna Glenorchy is a passion,” he said.QLDC voters need to consider leadership, governance and engagement when they choose their mayor and councillors, Darren said.He said he has over 20 years of senior level leadership and governance experience on local, regional and national boards, and has qualifications and experience in strategic and change management.“Along with the wider Queenstown Lakes District community we the elected councillors need to come together to articulate a strategic vision for the next 30 years, not the next election cycle.” Darren said he supports “an open and transparent working relationship” between mayor and CEO, with a “no surprises” policy for the mayor and elected councillors.“There has been a lack of accountability recently which has led to a removal of community support. The councillors and the staff need to focus on reducing costs that have ballooned beyond our need.”He said there is “no point creating reviews and investigations; it’s obvious that there has been poor decision making and now its for the new council and mayor to create an expectation of accountability and that’s a conversation with the CEO”.“We need to look forward and get moving: let’s revisit issues like single designated authority and what contractors are and are not adding value. If they are not, then they are gone. We need with urgency to reduce and remove our reliance on contractors.”Darren said progress on the Regional Deal with central government comes with opportunities and expectations. The government wants to enable growth through productivity, but while Queenstown Lakes is projected to be the biggest population centre for Otago, its productivity rate is 10 percent lower than the rest of New Zealand, he said.“When we work with developers and private investors, once due diligence is done and we agree to move forward, can we enable their projects; we need to unlock the bureaucracy for us to achieve.”“Leadership is key”, he added.Read more: Local ‘regional deal’ progresses to next stage“Part of enabling the community is to utilise iwi and Maori business and the capability they have… The recent investment of Totara Energy to acquire 30 percent of Pioneer Energy is a great example of bringing the capability of nine iwi to the table for the benefit of New Zealand.”As part of the Māori community Darren provided support to the wider community during the Covid-19 pandemic, from which the Mana Tahuna Charitable Trust emerged. Darren has been chair of the trust since it was founded in 2020.He is a trustee of the Sky City Queenstown Community Foundation, vice chair of the Victim Support national board, a ministerial appointee on the board of Herenga a Nuku the Outdoor Access Commission, and Ngai Tahu ki Murihiku representative on the Otago Regional Council Upper Lakes Freshwater Catchment Working Group. Darren is also a local business owner (cultural support company Take Tuia), and was recently the vice chair of the Arts Culture and Heritage Strategy Committee. He was the mayoral appointee as chair of the Welcoming Communities Steering Group.Darren has also been involved with Scouts, football, supporting schools, iwi roles, and contributed for nine years as a volunteer fire fighter. He has led the ongoing restoration of Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes. PHOTO: Supplied

Nominations for the 2025 local body elections are now officially open, and most local elected representatives have confirmed their plans to run for office again, while a few remain tight-lipped.At least three out of four Wānaka councillors elected to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) have confirmed they will run for office again this year.Lyal Cocks, Barry Bruce and Cody Tucker say they are putting their hats in the ring again, while deputy mayor Quentin Smith did not respond to the Wānaka App’s query.Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer said he hopes to share his decision in the next few weeks; board member John Wellington confirmed he will stand for the board again, but not QLDC (as he did three years’ ago); Chris Hadfield also confirmed he would stand for the board; and Linda Joll said she was unsure.Meanwhile QLDC hopes to increase participation in the election with the launch of its 2025 local election campaign, The Highest Vote, on Friday (July 4).The campaign invites voters to “take part in democracy at new heights”, with special high-altitude ballot boxes available at Cardrona Alpine Resort’s ticketing office (1,670m) and Treble Cone’s ticketing area (1,260m), hosted by RealNZ.QLDC will also host a one-day voting box at the Crown Range lookout on October 10. Residents who prefer to vote closer to home can do so by post or at voting boxes located throughout the district. A map of voting locations and further information will be available on the QLDC website.  The Crown Range lookout will host a one-day voting box on October 10. PHOTO: Wānaka AppTo stand for election, candidates must be enrolled voters and nominated by two voters from the area they wish to represent. QLDC said it “encourages people of all backgrounds to consider standing, no prior experience needed”. “How our district moves forward involves everyone who lives here, so it’s important that our elected officials reflect the values and ideas of our diverse community,” QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said. “Now is a great time to learn more about the challenges and rewards, either for yourself or for friends and family who you think would make great local leaders.”In 2022, 43.05 percent of eligible voters in the district cast their ballots. This year, QLDC hopes to surpass the national average voter turnout of 44.5 percent.  Nominations for both QLDC and the WUCCB opened on Friday (July 4) and will close at 12pm on Friday August 1.  Voting papers will be delivered between September 9-22, and the voting period is September 9 to October 11.The QLDC website provides information on who can stand for election, how to get nominated, and how to campaign when the time comes. 

Queenstown resident and former mayoral candidate Nik Kiddle has announced he will run for mayor of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) later this year.Nik contested the mayoralty unsuccessfully in 2019 against incumbent Jim Boult, following his opposition to Boult’s bed tax proposal.Nik was a member of a tax equity lobby group which said the proposed levy (five to ten per cent applied to visitor accommodation in order to help fund tourism infrastructure in the region) would have disastrous consequences for accommodation providers’ profits.The former owner of Villa Del Lago now says it’s time for “big improvements” at QLDC, starting at “the top”.“New leadership is vital to rebuild a trusted well functioning team,” Nik said.“The mayor must return to forging consensus among elected representatives and opening up the council’s administration to community led views.“No more back room deals, no more selling out to drive corporate profits. Transparency and information sharing must become the new norm. Care with ratepayers’ money must dominate decision making and prioritisation must deliver first on core business.”Nik said while QLDC rates have been increasing there has been “a deterioration in the quality of life here”. “This council has got us into a great deal of trouble over sewage, transport and housing. Productivity is suffering. Neighbourhoods and the environment are suffering. All these issues need fresh leadership to drive improved outcomes.”  Nik said QLDC’s relationship with central government also needs to be improved. “We’ve got a golden opportunity now to grab new resources. But we need a leader focussed on options that exist, instead of peddling a pipe dream of new law so council can tax business turnover.“This must be our focus now without distractions over outdated complex ideas. Current leadership is mired in the past and needs to be swept aside to achieve success.” He criticised a lack of compliance with regional standards, and public transport decisions which “fail to take account of our district’s unique needs, whether it’s school buses or miles of traffic cones, traffic jams and drawn out roading ‘improvements’.”  “We can do way better. The best strategy to improve our council is to vote for change and ‘tick Nik’,” he said.Glenorchy resident and Shaping Our Future executive officer John Glover announced in April that he will contest the mayoralty. Read more: John Glover to contest mayoraltyLocal body elections will take place from September 22, 2025.PHOTO: Supplied