Deciding who gets a seat around our council table is more important than ever as Central Otago and the whole country navigates a bumpy period of economic, environmental and social turbulence.

There are large scale projects being proposed in Central and major reforms on water services, managing resources and how local government itself is organised… all against a backdrop of climate change and general economic uncertainties.

Central Otago has discovered new gold in cycle tourism and lifestyle living but it now costs a bomb for the average family to live here and there are few options for workers seeking housing. 

We asked the 16 candidates standing for 11 available seats on the Central Otago District Council four questions to help voters decide who to back on election day, October 8.

For the sake of you, our readers, who are often bombarded with information, we challenged them to keep answers short and sharp.

Responses are presented in random order and you can read more in the candidate statements on our ‘Elections 2022’ button here.

Questions:

Q1. If Christchurch International Airport Ltd's feasibility studies for the proposed new international airport at Tarras prove positive, would you be supportive of them proceeding with the project?

Q2. What is the greatest challenge facing our area that you are most passionate about addressing, through gaining a seat at the council table?

Q3. Central government has been introducing a more well-being focused role for local government with stronger involvement in shaping community development. Do you agree with this or should councils be sticking to the traditional nuts and bolts work of waste management, maintaining roading, water, footpaths, parks and facilities?  

Q4. Where is your 'happy place' in Central Otago and why do you love to go there? 

Responses:

Nigel McKinlay, Cromwell Ward

Q1. In principle yes, but greater transparency is needed on such issues as flight paths/noise and on mitigating environmental impacts.

Q2. Fighting government's 3 Waters co-governance proposals that undermine democracy and opposing loss of local control and assets.

Q3. Council's role is low rate increases, efficient services and infrastructure, and protecting the environment. This allows people to make their own choices.

Q4. Happy place: Working with my wife Pauline on our Gate 20 Two vineyard in Bannockburn.

Jayden Cromb, Vincent Ward

Q1. I won't personally be affected so this should be up to those living in Tarras.

Q2. Affordable housing. Please visit www.facebook.com/Jayden-Cromb for more information.

Q3. Definitely. Coming from a social services background I believe this is in the best interest of everyone.

Q4. Happy place: Walking around Aronui Dam with my wife, kids and dog. 

Sarah Browne, Cromwell Ward

Q1. Tarras airport: Not necessarily [supportive], I would want to see this action robust community and location studies as the next phase.

Q2. Ensuring we don't bastardise our town for "quick fix" or "affordable" housing solutions.

Q3. Connecting the council with its people can never be a bad thing. Can't we do both?

Q4. Happy place: Cardrona in winter or by the lake in summer; reminding me why I choose to live here and love it.

Maurice Vaughan, Vincent Ward

Q1. Have concerns about an international airport at Tarras. Relying on tourism as an income earner in the current Covid environment is unpredictable. Secondly environmental concerns.

Q2. I believe we are heading for a possible recession, compounded by a high interest environment. Quantitative easing by banks worldwide just kicked the problem of excess debt down the road. A significant correction has to happen. Hence importance of building local resilience and support networks.

Q3. Ignoring the social welfare concerns of communities is bad economics. Significant economic downturn is a possibility which will compound distress, hence an important focus for local government.

Q4. My happy place in Central Otago is my old homestead at Matakanui. Built of mud brick in 1875. Restoring it is indeed happiness producing.

Sally Feinerman, Teviot Valley Ward

Q1. Tarras Airport: I would support this based on social and economic benefits and buy-in from the community.

Q2. I am passionate about better preparing for climate change for us and future generations.

Q3. Covid taught us well-being is essential; our communities need to be supported, therefore, I agree.

Q4. Happy place: Walking at Butcher’s Dam. So many great trails to explore and amazing views.

Tamah Alley, Vincent Ward 

Q1. It’s unlikely that Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes need serviced by two international airports, though there may be a case for our primary industries to have access to greater freight opportunities.

Q2. Ensuring we maintain momentum on projects underway in the face of “the great resignation”, without cost overruns getting away on us over the next few years.

Q3. Given the rise in loneliness, lack of connection in communities and challenges with mental health for many, I think council supporting people where appropriate to be more connected alongside the nuts and bolts of core infrastructure is a good thing.

Q4. Happy place: The Alex end of the Clyde river track, it’s just magical through all the seasons, and a good way to wear out kids for an afternoon.

Ian Cooney, Vincent Ward

Q1. Tarras Airport: That would perhaps be a decision to be made by a higher authority.

Q2. Central government’s agenda of centralisation and separation of local government services has the potential to be detrimental to small communities like ours both in terms of loss of democratic representation, and impacts upon quality of service. The new council will be tasked with attempting to make the best of this situation.

Q3. It is my view that if local councils do their job well in providing reliable, resilient infrastructure, undertaking responsible planning, and maintaining safe community spaces that the communities well-being outcomes, insofar as local government can influence these, will be met.

Q4. Happy place: Watching my children play, perform in, and enjoy Central Otago's wonderful sporting, recreational, and cultural community spaces.

Mason Robinson, Teviot Valley Ward

Q1. No, Queenstown, Invercargill and Dunedin airports should serve the future growth of Central Otago.

Q2. Delivering careful, effective fiscal management for Central Otago in these uncertain economic times.

Q3. I disagree, councils should be focussed on roads, rubbish and keeping rates low.

Q4. Happy place: Mount Benger, it provides the best view of the best place in the country.

Neil Gillespie, Cromwell Ward

Q1. Tarras Airport: There is a lot of information we don't know yet and there is a comprehensive process to come. Until we have the full picture in front of us, I feel it’s too soon to form a view.

Q2. The next the years will see significant reforms of the 3 Waters space, the Resource Management Act and the structure of local government. The present levels of service need to be maintained and grown while being carefully balanced by elected members considering the cost and benefits for ratepayers.

Q3. Council needs to reflect the views of the community and provide the levels of service required - social and community wellbeing are every bit as important as the “nuts and bolts” work.

Q4. Happy place: At home in Lowburn where I can look at the Pisa Range and its ever changing views.

David George, Cromwell Ward

Q1. Tarras airport: I plan to remain neutral.

Q2. The coming of the cycle trail to Cromwell and through will bring wealth and growth. 

Q3. We can do both [well-being/community and ‘nuts and bolts’ services work] easily.

Q4. My happy place is at the top of the Nevis Road. 

Lynley Claridge, Vincent Ward 

Q1. Central Otago is a “World of Difference”. Massive planes flying through its peaceful plains? It depends on the benefits to, and the feelings of, the people of Central Otago. Too early to comment yet.

Q2. Government reforms being fair and appropriate... the three waters asset takeover is not. Seeing to completion current projects I’ve been involved in while on council.

Q3. Of utmost importance is a robust infrastructure, roading, bridges etc to support livelihoods, therefore supporting wellbeing.

Q4. My happy place is the wide open spaces, the rivers, and hills of Central Otago I call home.

Martin McPherson, Vincent Ward

Q1. Tarras Airport: It’s too early to form [an] opinion on this proposal as the devil is always in the details.

Q2. Unsustainable growth. Planning and urban design, new infrastructure needs and changes to the RMA will see significant changes in our district.

Q3. I see us able to do both - maintain our traditional roles as well as seeking ways and means to ensuring our viability going forward.

Q4. Happy place: There’s a spot below Shaky bridge that the dog and I like to visit on summer days. I sit and think and he sits and drinks.

Shane Norton, Cromwell Ward

Q1. As someone who lives in the proposed flight path I’m positive about the opportunities it could present. However, I don’t live in Tarras, so don’t think my opinion counts.

Q2. Affordable housing for young and old.

Q3. Council should stick to their knitting and start catching up on maintenance to infrastructure that has been neglected over decades. 

Q4. Happy place: In any of our great pubs, especially the ones that sell real craft beer.

Roger Browne, Vincent Ward

Q1. Tarras Airport: No. Encouraging air travel is not consistent with the mitigation of climate change.

Q2. Restoring Central Stories as our premium district museum and art gallery.

Q3. Ensuring the nuts and bolts are in good working order is the best way of ensuring well-being.

Q4. Happy place: The Lake Dunstan bike trail ― fresh air and great views plus plenty of exercise.

Cheryl Laws, Cromwell Ward

Q1. Until all the evidence is available and that includes, scientific, cultural and economic,

only then would I be in a position to make a decision and that’s a long way off.

Q2. The loss of three waters introduces anti-democratic co-governance and with local

government currently under review the right for our community to determine its own

future is under genuine threat.

Q3. The two are interlinked. Without council providing its core business such as waste,

roading, parks etc social, cultural, physical and mental wellbeing is not achievable.

Q4. Happy place: With three teenagers in the house, anywhere that’s quiet.

Tracy Paterson, Vincent Ward

Q1. Tarras airport: I have not made any decision either way regarding this project. There are a lot of factors to consider and evaluate. 

Q2. Getting our core business done on time and within budget. 

Q3. With local government reform (together with every other reform) on our doorsteps it certainly looks that way, however I strongly believe that local people have the best knowledge to get the “nuts and bolts” done. 

Q4. My happy place is up in the hills of home (Matakanui Station) looking at the breath-taking Manuherikia Valley. 

Stuart Duncan is the only candidate standing for the single Maniototo Ward council seat so is therefore automatically elected to that and the Maniototo Community Board. 

Finally, a note from Bob Scott, Cromwell Ward, who withdrew his council-seat nomination.

“As one of only four candidates for the four vacancies on the Cromwell Community Board, I have been automatically elected. If I were to put myself forward for election to council and was successful, there would need to be a by-election for the community board vacancy as I would have to withdraw from that position.

I do not want to be responsible for causing a delay in the important work of the board and the additional expense that a by-election would necessarily cause.”