Former council senior staffer Louise van der Voort, who narrowly missed out on election to Central Otago District Council (CODC), will contest the upcoming Vincent ward by-election. 

Louise told The Central App her decision reflects the ongoing challenges facing the district, including growth, affordability pressures, and significant local government reform. 

“There are 11 pieces of legislation affecting local government coming out at the beginning of next year,” she said.  

“Some will have significant impact on the council and its communities.” 

CODC will operate with one fewer councillor until March next year after councillor-elect Dave McKenzie resigned days after the election result. 

His resignation followed the release of an internal investigation report from 2019 - and legal advice sought at the time - confirming invoice tampering by a company he owned that contracted to the council. 

A council spokesperson confirmed the matter regarding Dave is now closed. 

While many local commentators initially questioned why Louise, who placed next in line in the Vincent ward vote count, can’t step in as a replacement, the Local Electoral Act 2001 doesn’t allow that.  

Louise said she was disappointed at the cost of the by-election. 

“But, having said that, honesty and integrity are of utmost importance at council,” she said.  

“The by-election should give residents the confidence in the operation of the council as they have another opportunity to vote.” 

Other candidates who ran in the election are weighing their options. 

Vincent Community Board (VCB) member Jayden Cromb, who received 1420 votes (behind Louise’s 1575 and Dave’s 1608), said he is focused on his board role and the upcoming inaugural meeting. 

“I’m not ruling myself in or out at this stage,” he said.  

“My top priority right now is ensuring the VCB is ready to go from the inaugural meeting. Once we’re through that I’ll look at my options.” 

Jayden said his first reaction to Dave’s resignation was sympathy for his family. 

“It’s never easy seeing loved ones negatively attacked in public,” he said.  

“It is important that the community has trust in their elected members, so this was the best result in a horrible situation.” 

Former candidate Cam Withington said he was “disappointed with most of the participants in the sorry saga”, raising concerns about how the council handled the matter. 

He said he was “unsure at this stage” of his own next move. 

Meanwhile fellow candidate Kas McEntyre said she will not stand again. 

“When I saw who was re-elected I was relieved that I didn’t make it,” she said.  

“The majority of the people sitting again on this council are the very same people who voted to place the communities of this district at financial risk.” 

Attempts to reach former candidates Gill booth, Ian Cooney and Lynley Claridge for comment were unsuccessful. 

Both Ian and Lynley were incumbent Vincent ward councillors who stood for re-election but were unsuccessful. 

In the October election, incumbents Tracy Paterson and Martin McPherson topped the poll, with newcomer Nathan McLean finishing third, while Dave came in fourth. 

The by-election nomination period will run from November 24 to December 22, with voting scheduled from January 30 to March 3. 

The last council by-election, in Cromwell in 2023, cost close to $42,000, though a council spokesperson said costs have risen since.

Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]