Voters in the Vincent ward will head to the polls following the resignation of newly elected councillor Dave McKenzie in October.

The by-election will determine a new representative on the district council, with three candidates standing for this role.

As part of our election coverage, we have put four questions to each candidate, covering key issues facing the ward and the wider district.

All candidates were given the same questions, a 200-word word limit for each response, and the same deadline.

Their answers will be published over the next two weeks, in their own words, to allow voters to compare the candidates’ positions directly.

The series begins today with a question focused on trust in local government.

Following the recent councillor resignation in this ward, integrity is top of mind for many voters. Why should the community trust you to represent them, and what does 'transparency' look like to you in practice?

Andrew Dowling

You can’t turn integrity on and off when it suits. If I make a mistake then I own it, that means a lot to me. When we know where something went wrong, it is easier to fix. Lying, bending the truth, or just forgetting to mention things ends up leaving people wonder which, if any parts, are believable. I’ve got a great wife, kids and good friends who help keep my feet firmly on the ground! I have to earn people’s trust, and as they get to know me better I hope I do.  

You can’t hide in this digital age. It is so easy to get information but this doesn’t mean that everything is true, or in context. Good process makes sure everyone gets to respond and then the court of information, and not the loudest or richest voice, decides. This is where good journalism is so valuable, being eyes and ears for the bits we missed.

Transparency means answering concisely, making intentions clear, good communication and telling the truth.

Nat Jamieson

People should trust me because I’m coming into this role with fresh ideas, genuine passion, and no hidden agenda. I’m not a career politician - I’m someone who lives here, cares about our community, and wants to make a real difference. 

I believe in listening to people, being transparent in every decision, and working hard to get results that improve everyday life for our residents. 

As a first-time candidate, I bring a new perspective and a strong commitment to serving, not just leading.

Louise van der Voort

Integrity is fundamental to good local government. Our community deserves to know that elected members, staff, and council contractors are acting with honesty and consistently upholding the highest ethical standards. That’s the foundation of public trust.

For me, transparency means being open, clear, and willing to share information - including acknowledging what I know, what I’m still working to understand, and how decisions are made. In practice, this means holding council meetings and workshops in public whenever possible, with only legitimate exceptions such as commercially sensitive matters. It also means ensuring that reports, decisions, and key information are easily accessible through the council’s website and communication channels.

Accountability is equally important. Elected members and staff must stand behind their decisions, and when mistakes occur, as they inevitably will, they should be acknowledged, explained, and corrected. Any concerns or allegations of improper conduct should be investigated with appropriate independence and rigour, with outcomes reported to the Council’s Audit and Risk Committee, which is chaired independently.

My commitment is to uphold these principles every day. That’s how trust is earned, and how the community can have confidence that their interests are being represented with integrity.

Important dates for the Vincent by-election: 

• Voting opens: Voting papers will be sent to eligible voters from Friday January 30 
• Voting closes: Midday on Tuesday March 3  
• Next instalment: Part two will be published on Tuesday, focusing on ward versus district priorities

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