The weekend election results delivered some shocks to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) elected members, including a new mayor and the loss of three incumbent Wānaka Ward councillors.

Mayor elect John Glover said change is “urgently required in our district”.

He said he would immediately begin “the process of restoring trust in council”, so residents can trust council will listen to them, “spend ratepayers’ money as if it was their own”, and “do the right thing for communities”.

Specifically, he promised to review QLDC’s “financial practices” in order to minimise rates increases.

Quentin Smith, the only Wānaka councillor to retain a seat, said he felt fortunate to have escaped “the apparent clear out” of councillors across the district, with only five out of 11 incumbents getting back.   

“It is clear that the ratepayers sought change and I look forward to being part of a change council,” he told the Wānaka App.

“It’s an exciting mix of councillors and mayor delivered by the voters and I look forward to contributing to this new look team.

“I feel for the outgoing councillors. It’s a really tough gig and a fairly unceremonious departure to be voted out, their email just stops working on Monday. I appreciate and thank them for their service.” 

Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer told the Wānaka App he is feeling positive about the coming term with a refreshed lineup and new mayor.

“We have a mayor that speaks of Wānaka as ‘we’ rather than ‘you’. That is refreshing,” he said.

“Two board members [Simon and new member Kathy Dedo] secured more votes than all other candidates (bar the mayor) so that is a strong mandate for progressive and positive change and the leadership role the community board can play. 

“This is going to be Wānaka's term.”

Simon said the board will develop a strategy of what the members want achieved in the Upper Clutha over the next three years. 

“Annual budgeting meetings with the QLDC finance team are already in the diary. Personally my focus will be on modernising the town centre, new sports fields on Ballantyne Road and continuing our active transport roll out.”

He said he has the “energy and experience” to continue chairing the board, but “that decision will be made collectively by the team”.

The new Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board comprises Simon, Kathy, John Wellington, and Chris Hadfield. The four Wānaka Ward councillors are Nicola King, Quentin Smith, Niki Gladding, and Yeverley McCarthy.

PHOTOS: Supplied/Jeannine Tuffin/Wanaka App