Residents can now cast their votes in the 2025 local elections.

Voting runs until midday on October 11 - and Queenstown Lakes District Council hopes to boost voter turnout with a unique campaign.

The ‘Highest Vote’ campaign includes 17 voting bins across the district - including in high-altitude places such as Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone, and a special one-day-only voting bin at the Crown Range Lookout on Friday October 10.

Residents will be voting for the elected positions of mayor, councillors, and Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) members, with these positions representing their communities and shaping the future of the district. 

For the role of mayor, there are six candidates: incumbent Glyn Lewers, Darren Rewi, John Glover, Nik Kiddle, Al Angus, and Daniel Shand.

There are nine candidates for QLDC councillor positions in the Wānaka Ward: Nicola King, Barry Bruce, Quentin Smith, Lyal Cocks, Cody Tucker, Niki Gladding, Craig Gasson, Yeverley McCarthy, and Thorsk Westphal.

And there are six candidates for the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board: Chris Hadfield, John Wellington, Linda Joll, Simon Telfer, Kathy Dedo, and John Bache.

Voting papers will be delivered by post to all enrolled voters in the coming days and completed papers can be mailed or placed in one of the voting bins dotted around the district. 

For anyone who isn’t currently enrolled, or if voting papers don’t get delivered, it’s still possible to cast a special vote. To make a special vote please visit the QLDC offices.

For more information about the candidates, visit Election 2025 in the Wānaka App.

Alongside their QLDC papers, locals will also receive voting papers for Otago Regional Council (ORC).

There four seats in the Dunstan constituency (which covers Queenstown Lakes), and the candidates are Ben Farrell, Neil Gillespie, Matt Hollyer, Gary Kelliher, Michael Laws, Amie Pont, and Nicky Rhodes.

ORC chief executive Richard Saunders encouraged people to get out and vote.

“We know people are busy and voting can slip down the ‘to do’ list. By voting in your local body elections, you’ll have your say on who will make important decisions on behalf of Otago communities for the next three years.”

PHOTO: Supplied