An experienced former Queenstown Lakes councillor, Wānaka Community Board (WCB) member and deputy mayor has decided to throw his hat in the ring for the upcoming local elections.

Wānaka resident Lyal Cocks says he is ready to serve the community again after some time out.

“I really enjoyed my 12 years as an elected member up until 2016 and now, having had a break for a few years, I am refreshed and keen to once again be at the community board and council tables to represent the communities in our district,” Lyal told the Wānaka App.  

“I am as proud as ever of our district and want to contribute to its successful future.”

Lyal spent six years as Queenstown Lakes’ deputy mayor and another six as a councillor and WCB member.

He wants to see a stronger and more active WCB.

“It appears the community board delegation has been eroded and the responsibility for many local decisions has been placed on the shoulders of staff,” Lyal said. 

“Decisions need to be made by elected members who can be held accountable and the power of the community board to make those decisions or recommendations to council must be strengthened.”

He said other top concerns include the cost of living crisis, climate change resiliency and the local impact of central government reforms like Three Waters, the Resource Management Act and Local Government Act. 

“I have the knowledge and proven experience to provide this district with capable, credible and effective representation,” Lyal said.

Lyal is the fourth person to put their name forward for one of the four available WCB seats, joining newcomer Simon Telfer and serving members Chris Hadfield and Barry Bruce. 

He is one of three candidates for four available Wānaka-Upper Clutha ward council seats, alongside serving councillor Quentin Smith and newcomer Cody Tucker.

Current and former councillors and WCB members have advocated for more people to put their names forward in recent weeks: Each of the three Queenstown Lakes wards currently has fewer representatives than seats.

QLDC returning officer Jane Robertson told the Wānaka App that if the number of candidates does not exceed the number of vacancies when nominations close, all nominated candidates will be declared elected without voting. 

Any vacancies that are still empty at nomination’s closing will be considered “extraordinary vacancies” and would require a by-election to be immediately called, she said.

Anyone who plans to run in the local elections must submit their paperwork by Friday (August 12).

PHOTO: Supplied