The Central App asked local body candidates why they are running now, at this election.

Here’s how they responded:

Mayoral candidates respond

Tamah Alley:

“I'm running now because Central Otago is at a turning point. We're growing quickly, and the decisions we make in the next few years will shape our communities for decades to come. 

“I want to bring energy, practical experience, knowledge and a collaborative approach to the council table — to protect what we love about Central, while planning wisely for what we need and growing our people, alongside our primary industry. 

“This election it's never been more important to have thoughtful, competent leadership - people who can focus on solutions and keep Central Otago moving forward.”

Mark Quinn:

“Simple and obvious! This council has wasted hundreds of millions of dollars over the last few elections and basically we are in serious trouble. Wages/less hours have gone through the roof. Core services are neglected, future proofing our future for the people is not apparent.

“Expenditure is ridiculous, the misdirection of the councils day to day operation is way out of line. We are living beyond our means. For me looking at this mess, I would want a forensic audit done to see where money is being lost on contracts, general expenditure, income vs outgoings, promise to pay, assets, liabilities not being fixed price, is misdirected or it’s lost… or forgotten (eg tourist fund $400,000 recently found?); fixed price contracts will eliminate a lot of the blowouts.

“Halt the over spending as much as possible in the short term while lowering loans and rates. We need to control the expenditure tightly and then be in a position to forecast rates at the inflationary rate.

“A tightly run council does not need double digit rate increases in fact there must be times when rates can be reduced dramatically.”

Charlie Sanders did not respond.

Candidates for the Cromwell Ward respond

There are nine candidates for four vacancies in the Cromwell Ward.

Stephen Carruth:

“I believe that a number of years ago, then district mayor Tim Cadogan set our council off down the wrong pathway… It was a pathway that disregarded the district's residents’ and ratepayers’ interests in favour of (slavishly) following a politically left agenda, as promoted by (LGNZ) Local Government New Zealand. After the 'baton of power' was passed to interim mayor Alley last October (2024), she has continued slavishly pursuing that same pathway.

“Our council has (at least) financially failed its core responsibility; to competently oversee the strategic and maintenance management of our water assets (drinking water, waste water and storm water), our roading, our bridges, and our public buildings in the best interests of the district's residents and ratepayers. Our councillors have instead got themselves involved in a ridiculous array of non-core, non-essential activities; activities that have de-focused them from their core governance tasks.

“After central government got serious about the long, sad history of councils (everywhere) not investing properly in their three waters infrastructure, our council meekly complied with the 'central government-acceptable' answer of creating a joint council controlled organisation (CCO) to take over the strategic and operational management of our three waters assets. Our council conducted a sham process to get to that point - decide on that particular CCO management model. That is the background that drove me [to] stand in this election as a councillor.

“The two reasons I'm standing: I didn't want to do it. I am, by nature, a private person that works behind the scenes. I have a long history of providing background support so that good leaders can effectively do their job - that is my natural mode. With nominations closing for this 2025 election, no identifiable good leaders were standing. [I did not know about Charlie Sanders’ mayoral nomination until the day nominations closed]. I had, by that time. had a bit to say about our (sadly) dysfunctional Council and its direction of travel. I felt I had to either 'put up' or 'shut up'. 

“I am running with two clear objectives for this term; objectives that I clearly believe are in the residents and ratepayers of the district's best interests: Cap the annual rates increases to the National Consumer Price Index (CPI) for at least the next two years. [Council tailors what it does within a budget and doesn't just increase rates to cover what council decides to do].

“Establish a pathway to undo our council's fatally bad decision to join the 3-council CCO. [In my view the absolute worst decision our council has made since wife Althea I moved to Central Otago in the late 1980s].

“I fully understand that one councillor by themselves cannot create real change. Numbers around the table are required. I stand together with Charlie Sanders (as mayor) and Cam Withington for a place at the Council table. Change for Central.”

Dave George:

“I am standing for council this time because I know I can make a difference.” 

Sarah Browne, Andrew Burns, Terry Davis, Cheryl Laws, Gareth Noble, Charlie Sanders, and Bob Scott did not respond.

Candidates for the Vincent Ward respond

There are 11 candidates for four vacancies in the Vincent Ward.

Ian Cooney:

“I have been on council for two terms now and consider that I have made good progress during a time of relatively rapid population growth for the Vincent Ward and wider Central Otago. 

“I would like to see continued progress in terms of diversity of housing options, which has come a long way in the past six years, and council’s ability to enable this through its planning and regulatory function. 

“I would also like to see improved access to council services and support for those members of the community facing difficulties, be it with health, financial, or other personal issues.”

Dave McKenzie:

“Because same councillors, same outcomes so change is needed. I have council, business and real world experience, so understand how to effect change in the local government environment.”

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.”

Tracy Paterson:

“I am running because Central Otago is a fantastic place to live, to bring up a family, to retire, to have a business, to enjoy the great outdoors, to connect. These things are all encapsulated by our sense of place and our core values. 

“Central Otago needs a cohesive team of councillors and community board members that are there for the right reasons. I am not afraid to speak up, but will do so in a way that is respectful and after having taken into consideration all of the available information. 

“I care deeply about how you feel about Central Otago both now and into the future. Growth is happening, it’s about how we weave that growth into our identity while retaining all the great things we love.”

Louise van der Voort:

“After a long career in local government with over 20 years on the executive at Central Otago District Council, I want to serve the community in a governance role, using my experience and skills to help navigate the challenges ahead.” 

Cam Withington:

“After learning that the infrastructure in Central Otago was in such a poor state, coupled with rate rises of 47.9 percent over the last three years - I was extremely motivated to stand for district council on behalf of the vulnerable ratepayer. 

“Affordable housing and growth is meaningless if we cannot look after our own. For far too long Central Otago has suffered from poor leadership and 'outside' advice. I really do believe people when they say that 'they have done their best' but times have changed and they must move along. 

“Losing our water delivery service to a three council entity demonstrates a graphic failure with current governance model. New blood is needed to take the helm and steer the district back into better waters. 

“I have the skills and temperament to make a difference within a strong team. Listening to the incumbents over the last few weeks on the election trail has only reinforced my decision as their dialogue continues to lack substance. Ratepayers should be respected and listened to - as our answers lie within the community itself. A Change for Central is required and I intend to make a difference.”  

Gill Booth, Lynley Claridge, Jayden Cromb, Kas McEntyre, and Nathan McLean did not respond.

Candidates for the Maniototo Ward respond

There are two candidates for one vacancy in the Maniototo Ward.

Michelle Bisset:

“Changes to local government are coming thick and fast. From the Local Government Act, the Resource Management Act, Emergency Management and the Regulatory Standards Bill to name but a few, I believe I have the background and skills to operate effectively in this fast paced environment and to represent my ward effectively.

“I believe that councils of the future will need to strengthen their relationships with their communities and take them with them during a difficult period of change. Greater transparency; effective and inclusive consultation and feedback plus exceptional communication will be needed to achieve this. Greater support for community boards will keep the “local” in local government and strengthen the relationship between council and its communities.”

Stu Duncan:

“I want to continue to see the progression of the projects we have started and the positive outcomes that will follow, and to see how good Central Otago can be with our good council.”

Candidates for the Teviot Valley Ward respond

There are two candidates for one vacancy in the Teviot Valley Ward.

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.”

Mark Quinn: 

“Simple and obvious: This council has wasted hundreds of millions of dollars over the last few elections and basically we are in serious trouble. Wages/less hours have gone through the roof. Core services are neglected, future proofing our future for the people is not apparent.

“Expenditure is ridiculous, the misdirection of the councils day to day operation is way out of line. We are living beyond our means. For me looking at this mess, I would want a forensic audit done to see where money is being lost on contracts, general expenditure, income vs outgoings, promise to pay, assets, liabilities not being fixed price, is misdirected or it’s lost… or forgotten (eg tourist fund $400,000 recently found?); fixed price contracts will eliminate a lot of the blowouts.

“Halt the over spending as much as possible in the short term while lowering loans and rates. We need to control the expenditure tightly and then be in a position to forecast rates at the inflationary rate. A tightly run council does not need double digit rate increases in fact there must be times when rates can be reduced dramatically.”