Queenstown-Wakatipu councillor John MacDonald has tendered his resignation from Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) with immediate effect, due to health reasons.

“Those close to him will know that John has been battling the effects of Parkinson’s Disease and medical advice has been to significantly reduce his workload to focus on managing his condition,” QLDC mayor Jim Boult said.

John was first elected as a councillor to the Queenstown-Wakatipu Ward in October 2016, and was re-elected in 2019.

He was chair of the mayoral housing affordability taskforce in his first term, and has been chair of the Audit, Finance & Risk Committee and the 2021-2031 Ten Year Plan Steering Group. 

The mayor said he was sorry to see John leave the council.

“He has brought a steady and considered perspective to the table through some difficult debates and sensitive topics,” he said, adding the other councillors and QLDC staff wished John the best for the future.

John’s resignation triggers the process for a by-election to take place within the Queenstown-Wakatipu Ward. Details of the upcoming by-election will be published once confirmed.

PHOTO: Supplied