Councillor Niki Gladding will stand for re-election in the upcoming local body elections.

Currently a councillor for the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward, she is standing in the Wānaka Ward after relocating to the Upper Clutha.

Niki said she had made the “very last minute” decision to run again on Tuesday (July 29).

“I obviously came out of the gates early stating that I wouldn’t run for [Queenstown Lakes District Council] again,” she said. “My reasons were sound, and I think they still are.” 

“If mayor Lewers and I are both re-elected, then it probably won’t be a comfortable ride – for anyone.  

“But I’ve taken a leap of faith because I feel like the district is ready for change.”

She had also initially considered standing for the Dunstan Ward of Otago Regional Council (ORC) but she said the requirement to be in Dunedin regularly wasn’t feasible.

“[Councillor Alexa] Forbes gave me a run down of her schedule on the phone…and I realised I couldn’t do justice to the role – whereas others will,” Niki said. “That’s a key reason for my change of heart.”

Niki said she had moved to the Upper Clutha from Glenorchy mainly to help her son transition to work. She has been here since January and she lives in the Mt Iron area.

“It’s been a really good decision - the teachers at MAC have been out of this world excellent,” she told the Wānaka App. “And obviously Wānaka is lovely”.

Niki said it was “obviously the voters’ call” whether she was re-elected.

“The important thing is I still have plenty to give if the community wants me back in the room.”

Niki thanked the people who “didn’t stop asking me to change my mind”. 

“You gave me the confidence to have another crack at it – thank you.”

PHOTO: Supplied