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 App

To 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.