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