The Central App asked local body candidates for community boards why they are running for office in 2025.

Here’s how they responded:

Cromwell Community Board candidates respond

There are ten candidates for four vacancies on the Cromwell Community Board.

Mike Casey:

“It was suggested to me to do so by several people in Cromwell, and I have been feeling for quite some time that the work we are doing nationally is not being well applied to my local town and that there is a lot I can offer my community. I want to make sure the community board and the council have a period of strong productivity and that we have ambition to make Cromwell the best town in the country.”

Anna Harrison:

“This is a time of change. This term we have changes to representation, delegations and the move to a district wide funding model. I am standing to ensure that the ways that the community board works with council continues to include Cromwell voice – that papers that include developments in Cromwell come before the board in formal meetings to ensure that we are providing local direction for the decisions that are ultimately made by council. This is a crucial transition and I bring the experience, integrity and proven record to ensure that we continue to have positive influence over decisions for Cromwell.”

Bill Sanders:

“The reason I'm standing is I'm concerned about rates, water, wasting money on non core service items. The direction of the current council needs to change.”

Wally Sanford:

“I had a good understanding of the role of the community board prior to the last term but now I have experience in the role. I'm standing again to leverage that experience, provide continuity amid a changing board and out of respect for those that put their trust in me for the last election.”

Jane Smith:

“I'm running for this election now because I come with a slightly different ‘pitch’ to most of the other candidates.I can be the ‘bridge’ between community and council. 

“Having recently retired from working at the Central Otago District Council, I know the people, understand the processes, I'm a good listener and a good communicator so I can be the "ears and eyes" for the Cromwell community and the voice of reason. It's not about my individual opinions, or the opinions of small vocal groups; it's about what the majority of the community wishes and/or wants for the Cromwell Ward. I can take that information to the Cromwell Community Board providing an opportunity for respectful discussion ensuring that all points of view are taken into consideration. 

“I'm honest, fair and non-judgmental without a radical agenda of my own. You won't hear me making promises that I can't keep. However, I am committed to working with the community to continue to make Cromwell a great place to live, work and visit. Let's strive to maintain that ‘World of Difference’ - that special paradise that provides the bike trails, the sweeping natural landscapes, the vineyards, the lakes and rivers, affordable housing, appropriate infrastructure, the holiday destination, and that ‘small town’ feel where people are optimistic and proactively working together on the future plans, not only for Cromwell but for the whole Central Otago District.

“I'll end with a quote from Ajahn Brahm: Complaining is finding faults. Wisdom is finding solutions.”

Rebecca Anderson, Gerald Duncan, Gary Kirk, Haemia Melling, and Travis Muir did not respond.

Vincent Community Board candidates respond

There are seven candidates for four vacancies on the Vincent Community Board.

Roger Browne:

“I have a wide network of contacts in our community and I listen to what people say about their life in Central Otago. I am in a position to take up any concerns they have and, if at all possible, investigate what the council can do to help.” 

Martin McPherson:

“I enjoy my role on council and am running again because in these very challenging times an old hand on the tiller will help our community negotiate these potential troubled waters.”

Jayden Cromb, Tony Hammington, Dai Johns, Jim Moffitt, and Karla Sanders did not respond.

Teviot Valley Community Board candidates respond

There are seven candidates for four vacancies on Teviot Valley Community Board.

Curtis Pannett:

“I was fortunate to be appointed to the Teviot Valley Community Board in December last year. Since then, I’ve thrived on getting outside the farm gate and into the community, working on issues that directly affect us all.

“The triennium ahead will be another big one for communities and for council. I believe I have the skills, capability, and connections to contribute effectively to the governance of CODC, and to represent both the Teviot community and the wider district over the next three years. 

“My focus is on delivering core services well, supported by strong financial discipline and a balanced, pragmatic approach that acknowledges today’s cost pressures while preparing for future growth.”

Gill Booth, Sue Cain, Mark Jessop, Becky Slade, Hayden Smith, and Richard Tamblyn did not respond.

The seven candidates for four vacancies on the Maniototo Community Board did not respond.