There has been a more than 100 percent increase in nominations for the local body elections in Central Otago compared to 2022, and the candidates will face the prospect of undertaking significant capital projects in a “tough” economic climate.

Soon the public will have the opportunity to meet those candidates, with a series of ‘Meet The Candidate’ meetings to be held in coming weeks, and Central Otago Grey Power hosting two events in September.

There are nine people all vying for just four spots on the Cromwell Community Board, 11 nominations for four spots on the Vincent Community Board, and two each in the Teviot and Maniototo for just one seat.

Teviot Community Board member Gill Booth has stepped into the Vincent ward to try for a seat around the council table; and Teviot councillor Sally Feinerman has not put her name forward this year. Nigel McKinlay is also absent from the Cromwell ward nominations. Neither one responded to an email asking why they weren’t standing again.

Meanwhile, the district council’s pre-election report, as required before a local government election, indicates an unpredictable current geo-political environment.

Central Otago District Council chief executive Peter Kelly said that had a direct impact on the economy which was slowly coming out of a recession, “and we know times are tough”.

Inflation had run high in recent years, which pushed up costs across the board. 

“This was particularly noticeable for Central Otago in the cost of construction,” Peter said. 

“This comes at a time when we are in a period of undertaking our biggest capital projects in recent history.”

The incoming council will oversee the remainder of the Cromwell Hall build, begin a period of significant investment in the bridging network, and oversee major capital projects in the waters space and transition to a new water services entity.  

Peter said council had significant land development projects occurring over the next three years, including at Dunstan Park in Alexandra, Gair Avenue and Bannockburn Road (industrial) in Cromwell, alongside the Ngāi Tahu development in Alexandra. 

“We also know that there are other large-scale developments under consideration over the short to medium term and ensuring we have the critical infrastructure in place to enable these developments to proceed will also be a key priority.”

Election papers will be delivered between Tuesday September 9 and Monday September 22; the voting period will be Tuesday September 9 to Saturday October 11.

Check out our election button for more information.

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