Wānaka Airport’s future, managing growth, and access to health services were three hot topics raised frequently by voters at a ‘speed dating’ style candidates’ meeting on Friday (September 26) at the Wānaka Community Hub.

Co-organiser Andy Oxley told the Wānaka App despite the event being “put together very hastily and by request”, a steady stream of around 50 people spent part of their Friday evening talking to the line up of candidates.

The large number of candidates means locals “have got a choice”, Andy said.

“[This event is] making democracy accessible to everybody.”

She said both candidates and voters enjoyed the format, which involved candidates lining the room and a bell ringing every five minutes or so reminding people to move to the next candidate.

Councillor Cody Tucker said the format was “a good reminder that people are different in person” than online.

Council candidate Yeverly McCarthy said people had been “honestly engaged”, and one of the most raised issues was what type of person should be appointed as council’s new CEO.

WUCCB candidate and relative newcomer John Bache was seated with fellow candidate Kathy Dedo. 

Community board candidates John Bache and Kathy Dedo.

The “very informed crowd” had raised a broad array of the “usual issues”, they said, including concerns about freedom camping, health, and arts projects.

There was a bigger spread of people than the previous ‘meet the candidates’ meeting, they agreed. 

“I’ve enjoyed this more than anything else we’ve previously done,” Kathy said, citing “the opportunity to exchange ideas” with voters. 

Incumbent QLDC mayor Glyn Lewers said he had been disappointed by Q&A sessions at some previous meetings which provided little opportunity for candidates to respond.

“I’ve enjoyed it tonight,” he said.

The candidates present were mayoral candidates John Glover, Nik Kiddle, Glyn Lewers, Darren Rewi, and Daniel Shand; Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) candidates Lyal Cocks, Graig Gasson, Niki Gladding, Barry Bruce, Nicola King, Yeverly McCarthy and Cody Tucker; and Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) candidates John Bache, Kathy Dedo, John Wellington, Chris Hadfield, Linda Joll, and Simon Telfer. 

PHOTOS: Wānaka App