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 must-haves versus nice-to-haves when spending ratepayer dollars.

The prime minister has challenged councils to ditch 'nice-to-haves' and focus on the basics. In our ward, what do you consider a 'must-have' that you would protect at all costs, and what is one 'nice-to-have' service or asset you would be willing to cut or defer to keep rates affordable?

Nat Jamieson

As a new candidate, I want to be upfront that I don’t yet have access to the full financial detail of council spending, so I wouldn’t pretend to know exactly where savings can or should be made. What I can say is that my starting point is very clear: council must protect core services that keep people safe and communities functioning.

For me, ‘must-haves’ are things like maintaining local roads and footpaths, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure, and essential community safety and emergency services.

Louise van der Voort

Council must focus on the essentials such as high-quality infrastructure including roads, bridges, water services (until transfer to a CCO), and waste management and minimisation. These services allow households and businesses to function well, support economic activity, and must be planned properly to meet growth across the district.

Council also has a role in providing facilities and spaces that enable learning, recreation, and social connection, such as libraries, museums, and recreation areas. These contribute to the health of our communities and enhance Central Otago as a place to live and visit, with tourism remaining a significant part of our economy. I see these as must-haves because they support quality of life and economic resilience.

However, not every service needs to be duplicated in every location, and council must be disciplined about understanding long-term operating costs, usage, and funding implications before committing to new assets. Deferring or re-scoping non-essential projects may be necessary to keep rates affordable.

Affordability matters. Ultimately, these decisions should be guided by the community. Residents deserve a clear understanding of what services cost, what value they deliver, and what trade-offs are involved, so they can help shape priorities and determine what they are prepared to pay for through their rates.

Andrew Dowling

Water infrastructure is essential. Finish projects that have already been started before beginning new ones. Not having signage, rubbish bins or shade near picnic tables or the new cycle pump track might mean people don’t find and use them, so not finishing a job can be a wasted investment.

The government proposed regional council restructure is going to soak up unbudgeted resources, but it is very important we are fully invested in this to secure our voice.

The long term plan is our blueprint for things that are essential for our region to function into the future. There are also the four priorities for 2025-2028 identified by council; looking for funding options other than rates, protecting our local identity, attracting the businesses and people who will help our communities diversify and grow, and providing leadership particularly when the government is creating policy that could weaken our ability to make decisions in our backyard.

Affordability is a focus for all of us as individuals, businesses and councils. Doing jobs efficiently can save as much as only doing the 'must-haves'.

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
• Final instalment: Part four will be published on Tuesday, 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 and How will you ensure this ward’s voice is heard while still making responsible decisions for the region as a whole?

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