More people need to put their hand up for council, mayor says
08 July 2022, 11:32 PM
Mayor Jim Boult said being part of the council is challenging but rewarding work and he hopes more Queenstown Lakes residents will throw their hat in the ring for a role at this year’s local body elections.Mayor Jim Boult says he is disappointed only one person has signalled they will stand for the role of councillor in the upcoming election.
Lisa Guy has confirmed she will be standing in the Arrowtown-Kawarau ward but, with a handful of existing councillors planning their departure, Jim says he is disappointed there are not more candidates.
“A strong council is vital for the district’s recovery and again I strongly encourage community-minded people to consider their availability,” he said.
Jim said he was pleased there were already three good candidates who have announced they will contest the mayoralty.
He said this was “a good sign for the future of the district”.
The candidates announced so far include councillor Glyn Lewers, Labour Party general election candidate Jon Mitchell and Startup Queenstown Lakes CEO and former lawyer Olivia Wensley.
In April Jim confirmed he would not contest this year’s mayoralty and he said this week he has no plans to endorse any individuals.
“It is up to the community to decide who will lead the district for the next three years and it would be completely improper of me to influence that in any way.”
Candidate nominations for the local body elections officially open on Friday July 15 and close on August 12.
This year Wānaka/Upper Clutha Ward voters can vote for a new mayor, and - for the first time - four rather than three Wānaka councillors. Members of the Upper Clutha community won the fight to retain the Wānaka Community Board (WCB) this year, so there will also be four seats on the board to vote for.
‘Stand Up Wānaka’ is a new group aims to support Upper Clutha residents who are interested in standing for council or the WCB.
See also: ‘New group offers support for local body candidates’.
QLDC also has resources available for anyone considering standing at the election and plans to hold a candidate information session soon.
“A strong council is vital for the district’s recovery and again I strongly encourage community-minded people to consider their availability,” Jim said.
The local body elections will be held on October 8.
PHOTO: Wānaka App
