Central Otago District Council mayor Tim Cadogan has called for Cromwell’s keyboard warriors to step out from their social media shield and run for the vacant spot on the Cromwell Community Board. 

Tim says the community board oversees some of the fastest urban growth and transformation in the country outside of Auckland. 

“How can there be so few putting their hand up to participate,” he said.

“You need only glance at Cromwell’s social media feeds to see that more than enough prospective candidates are pushing their views in the digital realm. 

“Some must be brave enough to take their ideas into the real world and become part of the decision-making process.”  

An upcoming nationwide review will determine each local authority’s representation from the community board level to the council, and the CODC mayor believes candidate apathy now could mean less democracy in the future.

“It would be tragic if cuts are recommended through the review process because there was little interest from candidates in this position,” he said.

“I make this appeal to those in Cromwell with opinions and ideas. Get your nominations sorted and in before noon on Friday, 22 December.”

There has been one nomination submitted so far. If more than one nomination is received, an election is required. In that case, voting papers will be mailed out in late January and close in mid-February.