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 continues today with a question focused on the tension between district responsibilities and ward expectations.

As a Vincent ward councillor, you’ll face a balancing act between local needs and the wider district’s goals. How will you ensure this ward’s voice is heard while still making responsible decisions for the region as a whole?

Louise van der Voort

Local voice matters. Vincent has its own character, priorities, and challenges, and it is essential these are clearly understood and represented at the council table. Strong connections with the community are key to making sure local perspectives are heard and inform decision-making.

Council’s role is to set clear strategic direction that delivers long-term outcomes for the district while allowing for local context. When this is done well, what benefits Vincent also strengthens Central Otago as a whole.

If elected as a Vincent ward councillor, I will be required under the Local Government Act to serve the best interests of the district through the formal declaration of office. My responsibility will be to serve both the people of Vincent and the wider Central Otago district. Good decisions must always be made with the whole district in mind, ensuring delivery of services is fair, affordable, and equitable across our communities.

With ongoing government reforms, it is more important than ever that Central Otago, and Vincent ward is not overlooked. I will advocate constructively, stay connected to the community, and bring a district-wide lens to every decision, ensuring Vincent’s voice is heard while acting responsibly for the region’s future.

Andrew Dowling

This position represents the Vincent ward, so that would be my priority. I will also be responsible for getting information back to the ward members to make sure they can make informed opinions or understand why decisions have been made that may not have fallen in their favour.

I’ll be putting up the best arguments to make sure Vincent ward needs and requests get considered, as I expect councillors from other wards to also be doing.

Our ward is strong when the CODC district is strong. When it comes to those wider issues, like water management, we need to work together to get the best outcomes for CODC.

Nat Jamieson

As a new councillor, my first responsibility is to listen. I want to be visible, accessible, and actively involved in the Vincent ward so people know their concerns are being heard and taken seriously. That means regular conversations with residents, community groups, and local businesses, not just during election time but throughout the term.

At the same time, I understand that every decision affects the wider district, and I’m committed to looking at the bigger picture when it comes to long-term planning, budgets, and infrastructure. I believe you can advocate strongly for your local community while still making fair, responsible decisions for the whole region by being well-informed, open-minded, and willing to work with other councillors.

My goal is to bring the real, everyday experiences of Vincent ward into the council chamber, while also supporting solutions that benefit Central Otago as a whole.

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 three will be published on Thursday, focusing on must-haves versus nice-to-haves when spending ratepayer dollars

Read more: Why should the community trust you to represent them, and what does 'transparency' look like to you in practice?

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