Wānaka resident and businessman Craig Gasson has announced he will run for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), saying he “believes it’s time to bring private sector thinking to local government delivery”. 

Craig said he will run for the Wānaka-Upper Clutha ward in the local government elections later this year.

Craig is the general manager of Tapped Wines, which delivers New Zealand wine to bars and restaurants in reusable stainless steel kegs. He has lived in Wānaka for 24 years and has two young sons.

He told the Wānaka App he has had “a successful career in the wine industry spanning Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand”.

Craig said he is passionate about Wānaka “as a great place to live and do business and wants other likeminded people to consider offering themselves for election”. 

“Wānaka has attracted an energetic, talented population with diverse skillsets brimming with great ideas, but these people don’t necessarily think about putting themselves forward for public office,” he said.

“I want to help change that.”  

He said he would like other people in the community to “also step up and help bring about a change in what we can expect from our local authority”. 

“Ultimately, we will all get the representation we deserve. There is such a wealth of skill, knowledge and experience in this town that is largely untapped. My aim is to engage this resource to help make Wānaka an even better place to live.” 

He invited anyone who wants to share their “thoughts, vision or ambition for QLDC or the Wānaka-Upper Clutha ward” to contact him via [email protected] or LinkedIn.

“I have the energy, commitment and drive to be a passionate advocate for this community. I’ll be working hard not just to earn your vote, but to keep earning it every day if I’m fortunate enough to succeed in being elected.” 

Local body elections will take place from September 22, 2025.

PHOTO: Supplied