The Central App asked local body candidates for community boards why they are running for office in 2025.Here’s how they responded:Cromwell Community Board candidates respondThere are ten candidates for four vacancies on the Cromwell Community Board.Mike Casey:“It was suggested to me to do so by several people in Cromwell, and I have been feeling for quite some time that the work we are doing nationally is not being well applied to my local town and that there is a lot I can offer my community. I want to make sure the community board and the council have a period of strong productivity and that we have ambition to make Cromwell the best town in the country.”Anna Harrison:“This is a time of change. This term we have changes to representation, delegations and the move to a district wide funding model. I am standing to ensure that the ways that the community board works with council continues to include Cromwell voice – that papers that include developments in Cromwell come before the board in formal meetings to ensure that we are providing local direction for the decisions that are ultimately made by council. This is a crucial transition and I bring the experience, integrity and proven record to ensure that we continue to have positive influence over decisions for Cromwell.”Bill Sanders:“The reason I'm standing is I'm concerned about rates, water, wasting money on non core service items. The direction of the current council needs to change.”Wally Sanford:“I had a good understanding of the role of the community board prior to the last term but now I have experience in the role. I'm standing again to leverage that experience, provide continuity amid a changing board and out of respect for those that put their trust in me for the last election.”  Jane Smith:“I'm running for this election now because I come with a slightly different ‘pitch’ to most of the other candidates.I can be the ‘bridge’ between community and council. “Having recently retired from working at the Central Otago District Council, I know the people, understand the processes, I'm a good listener and a good communicator so I can be the "ears and eyes" for the Cromwell community and the voice of reason. It's not about my individual opinions, or the opinions of small vocal groups; it's about what the majority of the community wishes and/or wants for the Cromwell Ward. I can take that information to the Cromwell Community Board providing an opportunity for respectful discussion ensuring that all points of view are taken into consideration. “I'm honest, fair and non-judgmental without a radical agenda of my own. You won't hear me making promises that I can't keep. However, I am committed to working with the community to continue to make Cromwell a great place to live, work and visit. Let's strive to maintain that ‘World of Difference’ - that special paradise that provides the bike trails, the sweeping natural landscapes, the vineyards, the lakes and rivers, affordable housing, appropriate infrastructure, the holiday destination, and that ‘small town’ feel where people are optimistic and proactively working together on the future plans, not only for Cromwell but for the whole Central Otago District.“I'll end with a quote from Ajahn Brahm: Complaining is finding faults. Wisdom is finding solutions.”Rebecca Anderson, Gerald Duncan, Gary Kirk, Haemia Melling, and Travis Muir did not respond.Vincent Community Board candidates respondThere are seven candidates for four vacancies on the Vincent Community Board.Roger Browne:“I have a wide network of contacts in our community and I listen to what people say about their life in Central Otago. I am in a position to take up any concerns they have and, if at all possible, investigate what the council can do to help.” Martin McPherson:“I enjoy my role on council and am running again because in these very challenging times an old hand on the tiller will help our community negotiate these potential troubled waters.”Jayden Cromb, Tony Hammington, Dai Johns, Jim Moffitt, and Karla Sanders did not respond.Teviot Valley Community Board candidates respondThere are seven candidates for four vacancies on Teviot Valley Community Board.Curtis Pannett:“I was fortunate to be appointed to the Teviot Valley Community Board in December last year. Since then, I’ve thrived on getting outside the farm gate and into the community, working on issues that directly affect us all.“The triennium ahead will be another big one for communities and for council. I believe I have the skills, capability, and connections to contribute effectively to the governance of CODC, and to represent both the Teviot community and the wider district over the next three years. “My focus is on delivering core services well, supported by strong financial discipline and a balanced, pragmatic approach that acknowledges today’s cost pressures while preparing for future growth.”Gill Booth, Sue Cain, Mark Jessop, Becky Slade, Hayden Smith, and Richard Tamblyn did not respond.The seven candidates for four vacancies on the Maniototo Community Board did not respond.

The Central App asked local body candidates why they are running now, at this election.Here’s how they responded:Mayoral candidates respondTamah Alley:“I'm running now because Central Otago is at a turning point. We're growing quickly, and the decisions we make in the next few years will shape our communities for decades to come. “I want to bring energy, practical experience, knowledge and a collaborative approach to the council table — to protect what we love about Central, while planning wisely for what we need and growing our people, alongside our primary industry. “This election it's never been more important to have thoughtful, competent leadership - people who can focus on solutions and keep Central Otago moving forward.”Mark Quinn:“Simple and obvious! This council has wasted hundreds of millions of dollars over the last few elections and basically we are in serious trouble. Wages/less hours have gone through the roof. Core services are neglected, future proofing our future for the people is not apparent.“Expenditure is ridiculous, the misdirection of the councils day to day operation is way out of line. We are living beyond our means. For me looking at this mess, I would want a forensic audit done to see where money is being lost on contracts, general expenditure, income vs outgoings, promise to pay, assets, liabilities not being fixed price, is misdirected or it’s lost… or forgotten (eg tourist fund $400,000 recently found?); fixed price contracts will eliminate a lot of the blowouts.“Halt the over spending as much as possible in the short term while lowering loans and rates. We need to control the expenditure tightly and then be in a position to forecast rates at the inflationary rate.“A tightly run council does not need double digit rate increases in fact there must be times when rates can be reduced dramatically.”Charlie Sanders did not respond.Candidates for the Cromwell Ward respondThere are nine candidates for four vacancies in the Cromwell Ward.Stephen Carruth:“I believe that a number of years ago, then district mayor Tim Cadogan set our council off down the wrong pathway… It was a pathway that disregarded the district's residents’ and ratepayers’ interests in favour of (slavishly) following a politically left agenda, as promoted by (LGNZ) Local Government New Zealand. After the 'baton of power' was passed to interim mayor Alley last October (2024), she has continued slavishly pursuing that same pathway.“Our council has (at least) financially failed its core responsibility; to competently oversee the strategic and maintenance management of our water assets (drinking water, waste water and storm water), our roading, our bridges, and our public buildings in the best interests of the district's residents and ratepayers. Our councillors have instead got themselves involved in a ridiculous array of non-core, non-essential activities; activities that have de-focused them from their core governance tasks.“After central government got serious about the long, sad history of councils (everywhere) not investing properly in their three waters infrastructure, our council meekly complied with the 'central government-acceptable' answer of creating a joint council controlled organisation (CCO) to take over the strategic and operational management of our three waters assets. Our council conducted a sham process to get to that point - decide on that particular CCO management model. That is the background that drove me [to] stand in this election as a councillor.“The two reasons I'm standing: I didn't want to do it. I am, by nature, a private person that works behind the scenes. I have a long history of providing background support so that good leaders can effectively do their job - that is my natural mode. With nominations closing for this 2025 election, no identifiable good leaders were standing. [I did not know about Charlie Sanders’ mayoral nomination until the day nominations closed]. I had, by that time. had a bit to say about our (sadly) dysfunctional Council and its direction of travel. I felt I had to either 'put up' or 'shut up'. “I am running with two clear objectives for this term; objectives that I clearly believe are in the residents and ratepayers of the district's best interests: Cap the annual rates increases to the National Consumer Price Index (CPI) for at least the next two years. [Council tailors what it does within a budget and doesn't just increase rates to cover what council decides to do].“Establish a pathway to undo our council's fatally bad decision to join the 3-council CCO. [In my view the absolute worst decision our council has made since wife Althea I moved to Central Otago in the late 1980s].“I fully understand that one councillor by themselves cannot create real change. Numbers around the table are required. I stand together with Charlie Sanders (as mayor) and Cam Withington for a place at the Council table. Change for Central.”Dave George:“I am standing for council this time because I know I can make a difference.” Sarah Browne, Andrew Burns, Terry Davis, Cheryl Laws, Gareth Noble, Charlie Sanders, and Bob Scott did not respond.Candidates for the Vincent Ward respondThere are 11 candidates for four vacancies in the Vincent Ward.Ian Cooney:“I have been on council for two terms now and consider that I have made good progress during a time of relatively rapid population growth for the Vincent Ward and wider Central Otago. “I would like to see continued progress in terms of diversity of housing options, which has come a long way in the past six years, and council’s ability to enable this through its planning and regulatory function. “I would also like to see improved access to council services and support for those members of the community facing difficulties, be it with health, financial, or other personal issues.”Dave McKenzie:“Because same councillors, same outcomes so change is needed. I have council, business and real world experience, so understand how to effect change in the local government environment.”Martin McPherson:“I enjoy my role on council and am running again because in these very challenging times an old hand on the tiller will help our community negotiate these potential troubled waters.”Tracy Paterson:“I am running because Central Otago is a fantastic place to live, to bring up a family, to retire, to have a business, to enjoy the great outdoors, to connect. These things are all encapsulated by our sense of place and our core values. “Central Otago needs a cohesive team of councillors and community board members that are there for the right reasons. I am not afraid to speak up, but will do so in a way that is respectful and after having taken into consideration all of the available information. “I care deeply about how you feel about Central Otago both now and into the future. Growth is happening, it’s about how we weave that growth into our identity while retaining all the great things we love.”Louise van der Voort:“After a long career in local government with over 20 years on the executive at Central Otago District Council, I want to serve the community in a governance role, using my experience and skills to help navigate the challenges ahead.” Cam Withington:“After learning that the infrastructure in Central Otago was in such a poor state, coupled with rate rises of 47.9 percent over the last three years - I was extremely motivated to stand for district council on behalf of the vulnerable ratepayer. “Affordable housing and growth is meaningless if we cannot look after our own. For far too long Central Otago has suffered from poor leadership and 'outside' advice. I really do believe people when they say that 'they have done their best' but times have changed and they must move along. “Losing our water delivery service to a three council entity demonstrates a graphic failure with current governance model. New blood is needed to take the helm and steer the district back into better waters. “I have the skills and temperament to make a difference within a strong team. Listening to the incumbents over the last few weeks on the election trail has only reinforced my decision as their dialogue continues to lack substance. Ratepayers should be respected and listened to - as our answers lie within the community itself. A Change for Central is required and I intend to make a difference.”  Gill Booth, Lynley Claridge, Jayden Cromb, Kas McEntyre, and Nathan McLean did not respond.Candidates for the Maniototo Ward respondThere are two candidates for one vacancy in the Maniototo Ward.Michelle Bisset:“Changes to local government are coming thick and fast. From the Local Government Act, the Resource Management Act, Emergency Management and the Regulatory Standards Bill to name but a few, I believe I have the background and skills to operate effectively in this fast paced environment and to represent my ward effectively.“I believe that councils of the future will need to strengthen their relationships with their communities and take them with them during a difficult period of change. Greater transparency; effective and inclusive consultation and feedback plus exceptional communication will be needed to achieve this. Greater support for community boards will keep the “local” in local government and strengthen the relationship between council and its communities.”Stu Duncan:“I want to continue to see the progression of the projects we have started and the positive outcomes that will follow, and to see how good Central Otago can be with our good council.”Candidates for the Teviot Valley Ward respondThere are two candidates for one vacancy in the Teviot Valley Ward.Curtis Pannett:“I was fortunate to be appointed to the Teviot Valley Community Board in December last year. Since then, I’ve thrived on getting outside the farm gate and into the community, working on issues that directly affect us all.“The triennium ahead will be another big one for communities and for council. I believe I have the skills, capability, and connections to contribute effectively to the governance of CODC, and to represent both the Teviot community and the wider district over the next three years. My focus is on delivering core services well, supported by strong financial discipline and a balanced, pragmatic approach that acknowledges today’s cost pressures while preparing for future growth.”Mark Quinn: “Simple and obvious: This council has wasted hundreds of millions of dollars over the last few elections and basically we are in serious trouble. Wages/less hours have gone through the roof. Core services are neglected, future proofing our future for the people is not apparent.“Expenditure is ridiculous, the misdirection of the councils day to day operation is way out of line. We are living beyond our means. For me looking at this mess, I would want a forensic audit done to see where money is being lost on contracts, general expenditure, income vs outgoings, promise to pay, assets, liabilities not being fixed price, is misdirected or it’s lost… or forgotten (eg tourist fund $400,000 recently found?); fixed price contracts will eliminate a lot of the blowouts.“Halt the over spending as much as possible in the short term while lowering loans and rates. We need to control the expenditure tightly and then be in a position to forecast rates at the inflationary rate. A tightly run council does not need double digit rate increases in fact there must be times when rates can be reduced dramatically.”

The Central App asked the seven candidates for four seats on Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Dunstan constituency about their priorities for the region’s Long-Term Plan (LTP).When you sit down to set the next LTP or Annual Plan, what’s your framework for balancing rates, debt, and service levels? Please name: one service you’d protect even under pressure, one area you’d scale back or defer, one new investment you’d prioritise. Here’s how they responded:Ben Farrell:“A framework that ensures councillors are properly informed (by staff, independent advice, and ratepayer surveys) of the actual impact on rates, debts and service delivery over recent years and going forward. I don’t think those campaigning on reducing or capping rates is overly helpful – ORC has statutory requirements and stakeholder obligations to provide certain services, so we should be focused on ensuring we can provide those services to the best of our abilities within reasonable budgets - not the cheapest for us that will inevitably increase costs on future generations.“One service you’d protect even under pressure: freshwater monitoring.“One area you’d scale back or defer: regulation that duplicates regulation imposed by other councils (for example earthworks and vegetation clearance provisions).“One new investment you’d prioritise: public transport services.”Neil Gillespie:“The 2024-34 ORC Long Term Plan (LTP) sets out a vision for our environment and communities to be healthy and connected from the mountains to the sea. It details work programmes with six focus areas: Partnership, Communities, Environment, Resilience, Climate and Transport. Next year 2026/27 is Year 3 of that plan and council will have the opportunity to review the work programmes for these focus areas and confirm or revise them.“Significant reforms are expected in the regional council space between now and then with the Resource Management Act review/replacement that’s been threatening for many years now as well as the structure of local government that may very well determine the future of regional councils.“Whatever transpires from these reforms will most likely result in significant changes to the 2026/27 work programme so I’d expect new investments will be required in all of the focus areas to effect any changes that are introduced.“The key focus area to protect is in the environment area where it’s essential that the ORC is doing the right things for people to ensure the Dunstan Constituency and Otago remain places that provide future generations with an environment where our resources are sustainably managed by making balanced decisions that reflect the ‘big picture’ views of the entire community.“The ORC’s role in transport is an area that I think needs closer scrutiny to ensure the level and source of ratepayer funding is appropriate for the services provided. That then begs the question as to whether the ORC is the best entity to deliver the transport functions it currently undertakes?“And of course, the most significant consideration is that any changes ensure that the level of rating income reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.”Matt Hollyer:“My framework for making decisions when setting plans is making sure that decisions include not just prioritising areas of work, but also knowing the true cost of doing something, and the cost of not doing something - and therefore knowing what would be passed on to future years/decades/generations.  “My main considerations when balancing expenditure, service levels and rate pressures is ensuring value for money for ratepayer funds. Accepting that manageable debt can be a good thing when the spending is on something now that may lead to large savings in the future.“Service to protect: biodiversity protection.“Service to scale back: how do we embrace technology to ORC services to bring efficiencies and effectiveness “New investment: delivery of the catchment action plans already developed and creation of catchment action plans in the areas not yet established.”ORC Dunstan constituency candidates (clockwise from top): Michael Laws, Gary Kelliher, Nicky Rhodes, Ben Farrell, Matt Hollyer, Neil Gillespie, and Amie Pont.Gary Kelliher:“The Rescue Helicopter contribution made annually by ORC is a definite must retain to me. And I want to see an annual inflationary increase of this contribution.“Staff numbers are too high and I have twice attempted motions to reduce staff but these were not supported by a sufficient number of councillors. More need to agree with these actions to reduce rates.“We have to look at the best options forward with the substantial investment portfolio the ORC holds. And we need that investment to reduce the rates burden of the ridiculous new Dunedin office building.”Michael Laws:“The ORC has no effective debt. None. It has a 100 percent ownership of the Port of Otago returning $15M of dividend every year. It has no infrastructure, bar flood banks and pump stations. Yet it has raised its rates over 20 percent average every year for the last six years, and more than doubled its full time staff. To what effect? I've consistently opposed these rate rises and staff increases. So has Cr Gary Kelliher. We've been a minority voice. Which is why we've associated with Vision Otago this election, to effect real change around the council table.”Amie Pont:“Balancing rates, debts and service levels: We need to make sure that putting off investment in infrastructure or deferring depreciation doesn’t hit us as some sort of ‘surprise’ as they seem to. However, no matter who you vote for this election, next year your rates will increase at a far decreased rate than over the last two years. No more double-digit rate rises. That’s already predicted and covered in the Annual and Long-Term Plans. The actual ability to reducing rates payments are extremely low and even capping could be detrimental to appropriate growth. “New 30-year plans allow time to source additional funding and infrastructure costs are covered generationally. We need to look ahead and anticipate these hugely harmful rates spikes especially when inflation is so high. Where are these potential areas which will need investment down the track? Let’s get onto that now.“One service you’d protect even under pressure: Catchment work and the resulting work controlling wilding conifers and pest animals and plants is vital. Our environment is our economy and if we leave things for much longer, we will regress at an increased rate. I am an advocate for continued support of catchment work and the momentum it has gained. Successful farming and a healthy environment can happen together. It’s not one or the other. Substantial work through Wai Wānaka, Upper Taieri Wai & Tiaki Maniototo, Manuherikia and the Upper Lakes Integrated Catchment Group are already showing results. I would protect the ECO Fund but I want to see more transparency on who gets the funding and how it is spent.“One area you’d scale back or defer: We need highly skilled people at every level making such big decisions on behalf of our rate payers, but the model of ORC needs to be looked at. I think we need to look at it as more of a business model. If we can save on contract/staff efficiencies, then we should. It is important ORC have a high level of skilled staff, and they are paid accordingly to be so. Continued review of efficient and effective staffing/contracting will identify more opportunities for staffing synergies.“One new investment you’d prioritise: I would like to understand more about our regional conversations around major projects for Otago. I understand global warming science, but struggle to see how overseas companies purchasing our whenua/land to off-set their carbon ommissions are beneficial to ratepayers when we are the ones who must live with it. Where are the regional conversations about how we are going to hold the lead on solar farms, forestry and mining investment? I am not against growth, but we should be able to control and benefit from these huge projects more than we are, especially if consent leads to land use change for an entire area or existing legislation (covenants etc) can just be ignored. That is setting a precedent I am not comfortable with.”Nicky Rhodes:“I understand that ORC has no effective debt yet has an excellent source of income with ownership of Port of Otago – this needs to be maximised for the benefit of the whole region. Running with the experience of Cr Michael Laws, Cr Gary Kelliher – who have opposed rates increases over the past two terms – and former councillors Carmen Hope and Hilary Calvert, if we are all fortunate to be elected, we feel we can effect some real change for the rate payers of Otago, through a range of common sense policies and fiscal responsibility.”Photos: Supplied

The Central App asked local body candidates for community boards about their priorities for Central Otago District Council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP).When you feed into or submit on the next LTP/Annual Plan, what’s your framework for balancing rates, debt, and service levels? Please name: one service you’d protect even under pressure, one area you’d scale back or defer, one new investment you’d prioritise. Here’s how they responded:Cromwell Community Board candidates respondThere are ten candidates for four vacancies on the Cromwell Community Board.Mike Casey:“To be honest, I have a lot to learn about the local issues here in Cromwell. I am aware of the highly contested topics related to places like the Mall, the racecourse, and the Speedway, but I don't feel I have enough overall knowledge to have an informed opinion yet. I will be entering the Cromwell Community Board without an axe to grind and without a major agenda. I want to perform in the best way for the people of Cromwell."I don't believe in rate capping, but I do believe in value for money for the ratepayer, and I think there is a lot the council can do to help bring down our cost of living without big spending."Feeding into the plan, I will push hard for affordable and community housing and community groups where I feel endowment funds are best spent. I want to make sure our council plans are not a barrier to energy innovation. I will actively encourage the energy transition within council, as well as look for quick energy wins on council assets that save money, e.g. solar on the swimming pool. I am here to represent small businesses and farmers as best I can. I am an entrepreneur and a farmer after all."Anna Harrison:“While the community board doesn’t set the long term or annual plans it is really important that the voice of Cromwell is heard strongly in the process. We are a rapidly growing and changing community and it is important that these plans acknowledge that in the context of the Central Otago District. We know that our community still expects high level of service across pools, parks and libraries and we need to balance this with the infrastructure needs of our growing communities and the associated costs."Wally Sanford:"Considering the ongoing development of our industrial land between Cemetery Road and Bannockburn Road, it's important to sell and invest in the same market. For me it's important to develop a clear and workable development plan for the Cromwell Town Centre and progress those plans as soon as funds are available, avoiding debt where reasonably possible. We can only control what happens with council-owned buildings and land so if we focus on those areas to provide confidence to the privately owned parts of the town centre then we as a community would have done what we can to provide confidence to the mall owners to redevelop their own buildings without payouts from community funds." Rebecca Anderson, Gerald Duncan, Gary Kirk, Haemia Melling, Travis Muir, Bill Sanders, and Jane Smith did not respond.Vincent Community Board candidates respondThere are seven candidates for four vacancies on the Vincent Community Board.Roger Browne:“The challenge is to ensure Central Otago remains an affordable place to live. Although operational expenditure should come from rates, there are other options for capital expenditure. Perhaps some service charges will need to rise. By increasing debt levels we shift costs into the future so this mechanism needs to be used with discretion. 'Our public library caters for all ages in our community and must be protected at all costs. I can’t think of any service I would like to see scaled back as they are all important in our community. Expressions of interest could be sought for the sale of a block of land at Molyneux for the purposes of housing.”Jayden Cromb:“I will not mislead voters by promising unrealistic rate reductions or the type of rate caps that have resulted in the infrastructure deficit we find ourselves in now, even if that would be popular. The reality is we will need to see where things sit once we have the details on the water CCO, before we know what the next LTP looks like. Council debt isn't a dirty word when you're talking about using it to fund infrastructure that will last the next 50 years. We need to balance the cost of paying now, but also ensuring that the next generation pays their fair share of the cost. I want to ensure that we get this right and that no one age group is dumped with the full cost. While I support using debt wisely for infrastructure I do not support using it for operational costs. If we reach that point then we will need to have a serious and realistic conversion with the community on what the next steps are."What would cuts look like? Does that mean just funding core business? If so, what is core business? We gave the community some options to scale back in the LTP and they said very loudly no. It isn't up to central government or us to make the decision on what core business means in Central Otago. It needs to be a decision made by this community. 'It is hard to answer the whole question without seeing the make up of the next council or the financial situation we are in. But in the spirit of trying to avoid not answering questions, if it were solely up to me I would permanently protect our elderly housing and community grants that help support some of our communities most vulnerable, and look at scaling back earthquake strengthening on our smaller halls until we know what the government plans to do in that space."Martin McPherson:“The biggest challenge we face is funding central government mandated activities. Our council needs to continue to lobby central government to explore other funding streams other than rates. Borrowing over a long term allows council to rebuild and replace infrastructure and the cost of this is spread out over multiple generations of users."I will continue to support and fund our heritage sector. I would support a transition from general rate payers contributing to the tourism sector to the sector paying its own way. I would support investment into Alexandra waste water upgrades to insure capacity for future growth.”Tony Hammington, Dai Johns, Jim Moffitt, and Karla Sanders did not respond.Teviot Valley Community Board candidates respondThere are seven candidates for four vacancies on Teviot Valley Community Board.Curtis Pannett:“Keep rates affordable – ratepayers can’t shoulder unchecked rises. Use debt prudently – conservative levels only, reserved for intergenerational infrastructure where future users also share the cost. Balanced and pragmatic decision-making – acknowledging the cost pressures of today while planning for the needs of tomorrow."One service I’d protect even under pressure: Roading. If people and businesses can’t move efficiently around the district, it impacts productivity, safety, and community connection."On scaling back: I won’t single out any one area without the numbers in front of me — we need to go line by line through the spending programme. For me it’s all about the value proposition and having clear priorities. Council must focus on its core functions: roading, waste, community facilities and pools, and—for the next year or two—water. In areas like community development and social wellbeing, community organisations can often deliver programmes more quickly and cost-effectively than council."One new investment I’d prioritise: The time and oversight we as councillors devote to overseeing the setup of the new joint CCO for water — and just as importantly, right-sizing the remaining council operations so they are fit for purpose in the new environment. The goal at the joint CCO must be to ensure it is adequately capitalised, with strong, competent governance and a singular focus on being a lean, mean water delivery machine."Gill Booth, Sue Cain, Becky Slade, Hayden Smith, Mark Jessop, and Richard Tamblyn did not respond.The seven candidates for four vacancies on the Maniototo Community Board did not respond.

The Central App asked local body candidates about their priorities for Central Otago District Council’s Long-Term Plan.When you sit down to set the next Long-Term Plan (LTP)/Annual Plan, what’s your framework for balancing rates, debt, and service levels? Please name: one service you’d protect even under pressure, one area you’d scale back or defer, one new investment you’d prioritise.Here’s how they responded:Mayoral candidates respondMark Quinn:“When the LTP is reset (which frankly I find a waste of time as its changed after one year) the points of order are: What is left over from the fixed priced contracts and the open contracts? What is left of the budget set at the last LTP? What is needed urgently in terms of repairs and running costs? What is needed in maintaining the people's council? What is needed in the forecasting for the next year and what are the facts going forward for the LTP? What is our debt and what is our plan to reduce it without selling it off or giving it away?“I would retain our water for sure because yes it's been neglected by current and previous councils, but it's ours to keep for generations - not put it in a CCO then a company where we would be paying for other companies upgrades and maintenance as well.“Once our neglected water (which has to be done regardless), the lime in the water, the brown water, then lack of water in towns is disgusting to think we have let our core services go, (yet in the last three years councils have spent near on $300M with loans and incomes). Yet we are in this serious state of repairs and other assets need to be rebuilt for the people. Once upgraded it's purely an ongoing upkeep situation. We the people can manage that and not be fooled by the need to give away our $350M asset that councillors and mayor are currently going to give away … once it's in a company of amalgamated councils we are simply a shareholder but not the owner ... Why would we consider that? I wonder if it's our asset. The council should be paying each rate payer out if it’s giving it away.”Tamah Alley and Charlie Sanders did not respond.Candidates for the Cromwell Ward respondThere are nine candidates for four vacancies in the Cromwell Ward.Stephen Carruth:“If elected, and then while preparing for the Long-Term Plan/Annual Plan processes, we (the other councillors and I) would need to be supplied with good quality data and information (from council officers).“I have spent some time over the last six months or so, looking at the information supplied to current councillors (at least the info that is simultaneously put into the public domain). Currently that info possesses two obvious features; it is ridiculously voluminous (padded) and simultaneously of poor quality. The financial information I have read seems to be clearly designed to confuse people enough that they give up (trying to interpret it). Costs are bundled and often given confusing or ambiguous descriptors.“I would be urging my fellow councillors to vote on a motion that required the chief executive officer to ensure his staff strictly followed new specific rules and guidelines while preparing information for councillors’ consideration. The broad objective here would be avoiding this equation ever happening: 'rubbish in’ (information for councillor consideration) results in ‘rubbish out’ (council decisions). I would be urging for a discussion and vote on that very earlier in the new term.“Moving to my framework, especially for the next three-year term. Only agree to development of 'shovel-ready' capital works projects that will fit within council's anticipated combined income stream budget (projects collectively fit the council budget rather than council budget blown out by chosen projects); Ensuring that developed proposals from staff included joined-up-thinking on consideration of different ways of achieving undertaking (performing) the works; Ensuring that developed proposals contained specific terms (to be later included in the project's contract terms) that ensured both a high build standard and on-time delivery; Ensuring that every proposal included details of which council staff would be accountable for delivery of the approved project. No councillor sign-off of any uncosted project (or work).“One service I would protect even under pressure: Because of the dire situation that the last two council terms have left, it would need to be pensioner housing.“One service I would scale back or defer: After the sorting of all projects into a priority, then any project that fell outside of the scope of council's overall defined works budget for the year.“One new investment I would prioritise: Subject to ceasing transfer of the ratepayers water assets into the new CCO (for three waters management), then any 3 waters project where not performing it soon would incur greater costs.”Dave George:“I believe that the district archive should remain the hall complex. There should be a strong focus on local genealogy. The museum and arts component should remove itself to the historical precinct. There should be a much better use made of McNulty House. Covered displays of wooden transport. Outdoors exhibits of dredging and sluicing technology.“We should feature our local merchant business Kum Goon Wa and Co on Melmore Terrace. We should afford our Chinese pioneers the same profile as the other businesses in the district. It is essential, with our heritage profile, that we move from a local perspective to a national perspective. We need to aspire to present our local heritage and culture to an international standard. “I believe the council should foster the idea of having new primary schools up Wānaka Road and at Bannockburn.“I would like to see the Cromwell Mall expand, business by business, with council providing the core services required.”Bob Scott:‘The one service I would protect under pressure is water. Every member of this community has the right to expect their council to provide clean, healthy drinking water and efficient, safe and cost effective disposal of wastewater.  “I'm not sure that any of the services the council provides need to be scaled back. Just done smarter. For example, there are a lot of contracted-out services that are presently not done well and could easily be done in-house with considerable savings. I believe that an urgent review of council staff’s performance is required. "I would like to see the council investigate a targeted rate for second home owners. This is a particular problem in Cromwell where there is a chronic housing shortage and yet some areas have a 40 percent occupancy outside of the main holiday times. “The investment that I would prioritise is to allocate some land to be used for a healthcare facility from the stock of investment land that is currently available in Cromwell. It could be sold to the health department at the going rate for industrial or commercial land and would demonstrate our willingness to partner with central government in providing the health service our community urgently needs and deserves.”Sarah Browne, Andrew Burns, Terry Davis, Cheryl Laws, Gareth Noble, and Charlie Sanders did not respond.Candidates for the Vincent Ward respondThere are 11 candidates for four vacancies in the Vincent Ward.Ian Cooney:“I think that there is a need to balance carefully what is paid for now through rates and charges, and what is to be paid in the future through debt funding. I tend to go with the framework of paying for operational expenses through rates, new capital projects through debt funding, and growth through development contributions. In terms of service levels I consider it important that council sets a realistic and achievable forward work program so as not to have scheduled work pushed out to a future date where it will likely cost more for the community.“To me focusing on the basics is important, core infrastructure like roading, waters, waste, community facilities, parks and reserves, and the planning and regulatory functions of council. Rather than scaling back or deferring one area I would look to identify small improvements that can be made, and wasteful expenditures that can be removed from all areas.”Jayden Cromb:“I will not mislead voters by promising unrealistic rate reductions or the type of rate caps that have resulted in the infrastructure deficit we find ourselves in now, even if that would be popular. The reality is we will need to see where things sit once we have the details on the water CCO, before we know what the next LTP looks like.“Council debt isn't a dirty word when you're talking about using it to fund infrastructure that will last the next 50 years. We need to balance the cost of paying now, but also ensuring that the next generation pays their fair share of the cost. I want to ensure that we get this right and that no one age group is dumped with the full cost. While I support using debt wisely for infrastructure I do not support using it for operational costs. If we reach that point then we will need to have a serious and realistic conversion with the community on what the next steps are.“What would cuts look like? Does that mean just funding core business? If so, what is core business? We gave the community some options to scale back in the LTP and they said very loudly no. It isn't up to central government or us to make the decision on what core business means in Central Otago. It needs to be a decision made by this community. “It is hard to answer the whole question, without seeing the makeup of the next council or the financial situation we are in. But in the spirit of trying to avoid not answering questions, if it were solely up to me I would permanently protect our elderly housing and community grants that help support some of our communities most vulnerable, and look at scaling back earthquake strengthening on our smaller halls until we know what the government plans to do in that space.”Dave McKenzie:“Set priorities and live within your means. Protect - 3 Waters / core functions, scale back no core expenditure, new investment - more flexible District Plan as the current one prevents growth. We need more growth, more people to share the rates burden.”Martin McPherson:“The biggest challenge we face is funding central government mandated activities. Our council needs to continue to lobby central government to explore other funding streams other than rates.“Borrowing over a long term allows council to rebuild and replace infrastructure and the cost of this is spread out over multiple generations of users.“I will continue to support and fund our heritage sector. I would support a transition from general rate payers contributing to the tourism sector to the sector paying its own way. I would support investment into Alexandra waste water upgrades to insure capacity for future growth.”Louise van der Voort:“I would protect parks and open spaces from inappropriate development.“I would scale back on red tape while ensuring the council is still delivering quality services.“I would prioritise investment that provides long term benefits or financial returns to the community.”Gill Booth, Lynley Claridge, Kas McEntyre, Nathan McLean, Tracy Paterson, and Cam Withington did not respond.Candidates for the Maniototo Ward respondThere are two candidates for one vacancy in the Maniototo Ward.Michelle Bisset:“I believe that this triennium, as the council moves to shift its water assets to a CCO, there should be a period of stability and consolidation. Local government is woefully underfunded and over and above my following answers, I will fully support any council initiatives to lobby or ‘push back’ on central government in regards to unfunded or underfunded mandates.“My one service to protect is water. For the communities of the Maniototo, their needs in terms of sustainable, drinkable water must be a priority. The installation of protozoan barriers will not future proof these water supplies. I will be fighting for these supplies to have priority in the transfer to the CCO along with upgrades to wastewater systems that threaten to degrade our natural environment across the district. Addressing our water infrastructure deficits must come before increasing industrial and urban development.“My area to scale back would be parks, reserves and events. These are areas where spending can, in my view, be scaled back over the next few years and/or where spending for development can be deferred.“My area for investment is community. Establish a district wide community initiatives fund to enable seed funding for community projects that council has less options for leveraging from. Communities know themselves and their needs best; identified projects can seek additional funding options not available to councils and an initiatives fund is an opportunity for council to trust in its communities, funding them accordingly. Dollar for dollar, this is an investment that makes sense.”Stu Duncan:“We must invest in infrastructure, roading and bridges to connect all our communities and have [the] ability to move goods, services and emergency services in and around our districts. Under pressure scale back libraries and museums and investment in alternative energy uses for rate payers – eg roof top solar.”Candidates for the Teviot Valley Ward respondThere are two candidates for one vacancy in the Teviot Valley Ward.Curtis Pannett:“Keep rates affordable – ratepayers can’t shoulder unchecked rises.“Use debt prudently – conservative levels only, reserved for intergenerational infrastructure where future users also share the cost.“Balanced and pragmatic decision-making – acknowledging the cost pressures of today while planning for the needs of tomorrow.“One service I’d protect even under pressure: roading. If people and businesses can’t move efficiently around the district, it impacts productivity, safety, and community connection.“On scaling back: I won’t single out any one area without the numbers in front of me — we need to go line by line through the spending programme. For me it’s all about the value proposition and having clear priorities. Council must focus on its core functions: roading, waste, community facilities and pools, and—for the next year or two—water. In areas like community development and social wellbeing, community organisations can often deliver programmes more quickly and cost-effectively than council.“One new investment I’d prioritise: The time and oversight we as councillors devote to overseeing the setup of the new joint CCO for water — and just as importantly, right-sizing the remaining council operations so they are fit for purpose in the new environment. The goal at the joint CCO must be to ensure it is adequately capitalised, with strong, competent governance and a singular focus on being a lean, mean water delivery machine.”Mark Quinn:“When the LTP is reset (which frankly I find a waste of time as it’s changed after one year) the points of order are: What is left over from the fixed priced contracts and the open contracts? What is left of the budget set at the last LTP? What is needed urgently in terms of repairs and running costs? What is needed in maintaining the people's council? What is needed in the forecasting for the next year and what are the facts going forward for the LTP? What is our debt and what is our plan to reduce it without selling it off or giving it away?“I would retain our water for sure because yes it's been neglected by current and previous councils, but it's ours to keep for generations - not put it in a CCO then a company where we would be paying for other companies upgrades and maintenance as well.“Once our neglected water (which has to be done regardless), the lime in the water, the brown water, then lack of water in towns is disgusting to think we have let our core services go, (yet in the last three years councils have spent near on $300M with loans and incomes). Yet we are in this serious state of repairs and other assets need to be rebuilt for the people. Once upgraded it's purely an ongoing upkeep situation. We the people can manage that and not be fooled by the need to give away our $350M asset that councillors and mayor are currently going to give away… once it's in a company of amalgamated councils we are simply a shareholder but not the owner... Why would we consider that? I wonder if it's our asset. The council should be paying each ratepayer out if it’s giving it away.”

The Central App asked the seven candidates for four seats on Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Dunstan constituency about their community track record.What are your skills at the table: name three top skills (hard or soft) or experiences you’ll bring to the decision-making table.Here’s how they responded:Ben Farrell:“I will bring decades of practical experience across all levels of our planning system, including much time spent working with, for and against the Otago councils and central government on key resource management issues such as management of freshwater, indigenous biodiversity, natural hazards, infrastructure development and urban growth.I’m a good team member and respect the need for protocol, discipline, communication and collaboration. I will listen.  “I think critically with an empathetic, strategic, open and independent mind. This allows me to digest lots of information and appreciate/reflect on different inputs and opinion and speak up when it matters – I see the bigger picture and rarely sit on the fence. I will question people on things that matter and won’t try to bother too much with the small stuff.”Neil Gillespie:“Experienced leader – 27 years of local government involvement at the council table as a member of the Cromwell Community Board since 1998 (chair 2001 – 2019) and a district councillor since 2001 (deputy mayor since 2010) together with 35 years working with councils through various roles in the electricity generation industry, means that I am fully prepared for the role I’m seeking to be elected to.“Community connection – in addition to my time at the council table, I have a solid connection in the Central Otago community through 32 years as a member of the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade (almost 14 years as the secretary and the last 18 years as an officer, deputy chief and currently chief fire officer) along with membership of the Fire & Emergency Otago Local Advisory Committee since 2020.“Logic and common sense – yes common sense does still exist, and I have the logical mindset to use it by making sure I’m fully informed and understanding of the issues at the council table. My pragmatic, common sense approach based on a knowledge of local government and governance means I am an effective decisionmaker.”ORC Dunstan constituency candidates (clockwise from top): Michael Laws, Gary Kelliher, Nicky Rhodes, Ben Farrell, Matt Hollyer, Neil Gillespie, and Amie Pont.Matt Hollyer:“Communication skills - I can understand and distill complex information then effectively share with the community to listen to feedback.“Business and governance skills - providing support and direction to the CEO is the number one function of a governance board. I have years of experience in growing and running businesses - for small and corporate companies - with the trials and tribulations of growth and retrenchment, so I can bring genuine skills to help the ORC be effective.“Advocacy for community groups and business - from almost 30 years in the district I have a wide network I can connect with and refer to when preparing to deliberating decisions that matter.”Gary Kelliher:“I have been involved in governance roles for the past 20 years. My background in governance, my ‘cut to the chase but prove to me with science’ stance, and my willingness to speak strongly against economy killing and undemocratic direction.”Michael Laws:“Courage: Believe it or not, many elected local body members think that their council leadership/staff recommendations are often wrong, but still vote for them. “Insight: Knowing how local government works - which levers to push and pull and when to say ‘Yes' and when to say 'No'.“Solution-making: Is there another way? Is there a better solution - are there alternatives? Having the intelligence and the courage and the experience to rely not simply upon the monopoly narrative of council staff, but trusting your community to share their insights and intelligence as well. Knowing when you're right, (but also when you're wrong).”Nicky Rhodes:“Collaboration and communication – building trust and bringing people on the journey, with the goal of solutions by consensus where possible, by forming productive connections with stakeholders, internal and external.“Tenacity – following through with commitments made, and strong enough to defend my position, while delivering value.“Organisation and analytical – ability to understand and absorb technical and financial information – skilled at delivering on budgets and meeting targets while balancing complex needs.”Amie Pont did not respond.

The Central App asked local body candidates for community boards about their community track record.What skills would you bring to the table: Name three top skills (hard or soft) or experiences you’ll bring to the decision-making table.Here’s how they responded:Cromwell Community Board candidates respondThere are ten candidates for four vacancies on the Cromwell Community Board.Mike Casey:“My background is creating a successful tech company straight out of university, having absolutely no experience, and successfully exiting that in 2019, moving to Cromwell, and then becoming a cherry farmer without having a clue how to grow cherries.“My strengths: Public speaking, learning things fast, huge levels of ambition for my town.”Anna Harrison:“I am an experienced elected member and have a clear understanding of the governance role and I think I have a skill set that makes me an excellent candidate to continue in the role for the next term:“I act with integrity - I am honest and upfront. I work alongside others to make sensible, workable decisions for our community. I make sure I have all the information to make informed decisions and seek further information or clarification if needed.“I clearly communicate my thinking - I am clear about the reasons for the decisions that we make. I am able to articulate the decisions and how we arrived at them.“I am open to the ideas and perspectives of others - I see my role as being collaborative alongside the other elected members sitting around the board table. I am representing my community so this is a crucial skill.”Wally Sanford:“I have community board experience and management experience in business. I know what I'm getting into and I know how to do it well. I'm a safe bet. “I'm practical, resourceful and intelligent. I'm just as happy mixing concrete in a wheel barrow as I am working through a long term plan submission. If I'm mixing concrete, I won't be called out on my water to cement ratio and if I'm submitting on a long term plan I won't be called out on my submission being impractical. “I'm not afraid to speak up around the board table. If I need something clarified or if I have questions about something, I'll ask. I'm not afraid to go first and provide the right of reply to someone else. This is my proven track record.”Jane Smith:“Good listener, good communicator, non-judgemental.”Gerald Duncan, Rebecca Anderson, Gary Kirk, Haemia Melling, Travis Muir, and Bill Sanders did not respond.Vincent Community Board candidates respondThere are seven candidates for four vacancies on the Vincent Community Board.Roger Browne:“I have extensive governance experience, including as chair of several organisations. "With an engineering background I am able to understand and assess technical aspects of projects. “With six years on the community board behind me I understand how things operate in local government.” Martin McPherson:“Over 20 years’ experience around the table and knowledge of how and why we got to where we are currently.“Good listening and analytical skills - I can absorb information quickly and thoroughly.“Excellent communication skills - I can express an opinion in a succinct and understandable manner.”Jayden Cromb,Experience in local government"I have served two years on the Vincent Community Board as deputy chair and ten months as chair. While my time as chair may be short, I have proven that I understand both the system and the community. We achieved some big wins in the Long Term Plan and the gifting of land to Abbeyfield by working within the system and alongside the people who are part of it. I have built the necessary relationships with elected members, the community, and council staff to hit the ground running from day one."Thinking outside the box to get positive results"It is not uncommon for me to be told that an idea isn’t possible or could be too challenging. A recent example was the Dunstan Turf project. I was told consistently that council would not have an appetite to fund the $300,000 given the projected rate rise. Still, I pushed for the community to support it through consultation and worked with the finance team to find another way to fund it if Councillors weren’t keen. After seeing the strong support (especially from the youth survey) and understanding the position councillors were in, I altered the Board’s recommendation and pushed for it to be funded through reserves. That passed unanimously and was a community win without adding a burden to rates."Ability to bring different voices together"Whether through the VCB, school board, or youth trust, I have spent my adult life leading boards with members who bring diverse voices, ideas, and perspectives to the table. My role has been to bring those voices together to find positive solutions to different challenges. Whether it’s higher than expected operational costs, a project that isn’t working as planned, or long-term strategic planning, I have always found ways to combine everyone’s ideas to determine the best path forward. I have learned that the best result doesn’t come from one person, but from bringing people together and collaborating. Giving everyone the freedom and space to express their views, coupled with a willingness to see another perspective, is vital to leadership and governance." Tony Hammington, Dai Johns, Jim Moffitt, and Karla Sanders did not respond.The seven candidates for four vacancies on the Maniototo Community Board did not respond, nor did the seven candidates for four vacancies on Teviot Valley Community Board.

The Central App asked local body candidates about the skills they can bring to the table. community track record.Name three top skills (Hard or soft) or experiences you’ll bring to the decision-making table.Here’s how they responded:Mayor candidates respondTamah Alley: “Governance that gets things done. I’m a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and a previous police officer and business owner, with experience in future-focused strategy, risk, and local government legislation. I know how to navigate complex decisions and keep things moving.“Leadership that brings people with me. From health trusts to cycle trails, I’ve worked alongside our communities for years. I know how to listen, collaborate, and build trust to deliver real results - together.“Communication that cuts through. I ask the tough questions and speak in plain language. People deserve to know what’s happening, why it matters, and how they can be involved. That’s how we make the council more accessible and accountable.”Mark Quinn:“I am blessed that many people in the echelon of business have taken time in my younger days to up-skill me in how businesses should be run. From there I have had a career based around knowledge, common sense, perception, and analytical skills, passion, energy, and to see through companies operating in a downward way and set them back on track. Retrain CEOs, managers, staff, or if I need to make the decision to close the operation I have.  “Designing the first Pak n Save, with J.W [name withheld], plus many new companies were created in consultation with people who want to learn or expand. In some industries people were dismissed for illegal operations. “I offer a business mind that sorts issues out. I am now offering my skills for our generations to follow before democracy is lost. It’s sad that New Zealand is no longer for the people in its current management over the last few generations of political parties.”Charlie Sanders did not respond.Candidates for the Cromwell Ward respondThere are nine candidates for four vacancies in the Cromwell Ward.Stephen Carruth:“Thirty-five years in the construction industry, many of those involved in industrial/employee relations management on large-scale construction projects in Australia, have both developed and honed the following transferable skill sets:“Analysing an environment and determining the risk profile of that environment; “The ability to 'walk a mile in another person's shoes'. [In a situation where you disagree with someone, it is the ability to understand that person's situation and from that, be able to understand why they may have an opposing viewpoint to yours. It is quite different to simply changing your viewpoint and more about gaining an understanding of whether you may ultimately be able to achieve agreement with that person on the issue];“The ability to digest, comprehend and interpret written information, including legal determinations and judgements, agreements and contracts.”David George:“I trained as a community worker and reacted solidly to the Clyde Dam wind-down. After assessment we set up the Community House near the Mall. Along with Plunket and the Youth Hub this site has served us well, so far.“Anne and I have engaged with a small business focus for decades, up until now. I was deeply involved in horticulture and oversaw the Muldoon era failure within the stone fruit industry. The inevitable downfall of an attempt to market late maturing nectarines.“In community development work I trained for three years at Otago University. I am constantly upskilling myself. I have been a volunteer since the early 70s.“I have abilities in consultation, conflict resolution and advocacy. With this in mind I am concerned at the level of community training evident in the district. A lack of a staged development process. This process speeds up development and avoids pitfalls. “This will apply to business sector development in and around Cromwell; not just the Cromwell Mall. And with the enlargement of all services as the population grows.”Bob Scott:“I have served on the Cromwell Community Board for four years, so I am very familiar with the way that council works. I have a good working relationship with council staff and I want to continue this if elected to council. “I was a business owner for many years so I have good commercial awareness. Most recently I have been past president of Cromwell Golf Club and I am currently board chair. In this role I have to have excellent "people skills" in order to interact with club members and to react to their needs and concerns. “I have an enquiring mind. Very much a detail person, I love nothing more than asking questions and trying to get to the bottom of why things happen. I see this as an attribute when holding our council to account.”Sarah Browne, Andrew Burns, Terry Davis, Cheryl Laws, Gareth Noble, and Charlie Sanders did not respond.Vincent Ward candidates respondThere are 11 candidates for four vacancies in the Vincent Ward.Gill Booth: “That’s a hard question to answer. I’m good at listening and can hear UN/LGNZ “speak” during many council discussions and (most) documents.“Working smoothly with people even though we might not agree is important….but…I’m not afraid to stand up as a lone voice for the important issues. After all, only dead fish go with the flow.”Ian Cooney:“Three skills that I bring to the table are empathy, patience, and the ability to listen. “I have experience managing small businesses of up to 20 staff so can understand some of the difficulties and limitations from that perspective. “From the governance standpoint my discernment is improving the longer I sit around the table.”Jayden Cromb: “Experience in local government. I have served two years on the Vincent Community Board as deputy chair and ten months as chair. While my time as chair may be short, I have proven that I understand both the system and the community. We achieved some big wins in the Long Term Plan and the gifting of land to Abbeyfield by working within the system and alongside the people who are part of it. I have built the necessary relationships with elected members, the community, and council staff to hit the ground running from day one.“Thinking outside the box to get positive results. It is not uncommon for me to be told that an idea isn’t possible or could be too challenging. A recent example was the Dunstan Turf project. I was told consistently that council would not have an appetite to fund the $300,000 given the projected rate rise. Still, I pushed for the community to support it through consultation and worked with the finance team to find another way to fund it if councillors weren’t keen. After seeing the strong support (especially from the youth survey) and understanding the position councillors were in, I altered the board’s recommendation and pushed for it to be funded through reserves. That passed unanimously and was a community win without adding a burden to rates.“Ability to bring different voices together. Whether through the VCB, school board, or youth trust, I have spent my adult life leading boards with members who bring diverse voices, ideas, and perspectives to the table. My role has been to bring those voices together to find positive solutions to different challenges. Whether it’s higher than expected operational costs, a project that isn’t working as planned, or long-term strategic planning, I have always found ways to combine everyone’s ideas to determine the best path forward. I have learned that the best result doesn’t come from one person, but from bringing people together and collaborating. Giving everyone the freedom and space to express their views, coupled with a willingness to see another perspective, is vital to leadership and governance.”Dave McKenzie:“Forty-four years experience in project and infrastructure management (22 years within councils, eight years servicing Meridian energy, 14 years own businesses). “Analytical decision not ideology. “Accountability both myself and staff - meet or exceed expectations is the minimum standard acceptable (no more excesses).”Nathan McLean:“The skills I bring to the table all hinge around competence that has been built via my life to date, my profession, community representation and involvement.“Governance experience, a presiding member, large project execution across multiple industries, financially literate and a history of collegial connections.“A strong and outspoken voice, coupled with a desire to represent those who I live, work and play with from our awesome community.“A dad of two boys, which gives me excellent hostage negotiation and bargaining skills.”Martin McPherson:“Over 20 years’ experience around the table and knowledge of how and why we got to where we are currently.“Good listening and analytical skills I can absorb information quickly and thoroughly.“Excellent communication skills I can express an opinion in a succinct and understandable manner.”Tracy Paterson:“Proven experience. Coming to the end of my second term I have reflected on all the decisions we have made as council. Some of those have not been popular but have been made with the forward thinking view that will benefit not only the residents of today, but also those that come after us. Some of those decisions have had to be made during difficult times. “One example is the decisions that were made during Covid. We had to continue to do business as usual (when nothing was “normal”) while having regard to the possibility of significant human loss. I am very grateful that the contingency plans were never required. “I am also proven in business, running a large scale high country farm. Farming faces many challenges, as does council, so it is vital to plan but it is also vital to be able to pivot if the plan needs to change. “Asking the hard questions. I am not afraid to ask a question or raise an issue that relates to our communities' concerns. I also make sure to pass the good news stories on as well. A recent experience while at a retailer in Alexandra was one such experience. Not only did I get great service I was also told of how much this person and their family love living in Central Otago and everything it has to offer. “Commitment. Central Otago is home and I am 100 percent committed to doing my part to grow our district. Our family's heritage to this special place is long and I want to see my children and my grandchildren want to put down roots and thrive. My involvement in council, community board, resource management commissioner, charitable trust, A&P Association, Central Otago Health Inc, NZ Woolclassers Assn highlight my willingness to get stuck in.”Louise van der Voort:“Extensive experience in all aspects of local government.“Qualified resource management planner able to contribute effectively to RM reform discussions.“Commitment to Central Otago communities with a proven record of community engagement.”Cam Withington:“My research ability and tenacity to ask the difficult questions holds me in good stead. The attribute gets right to the heart of an issue and has always been a strength of mine in developing solutions. It is not easy for people to solve problems long term unless they can remove emotion and strip away the layers. It is an art form and I love it. Many times you will hear ‘I understand’ etc, but the speaker is simply paying lip-service and tickling the listeners ears. I was fortunate to polish technique as a journalist while having access to senior council staff and learn of the issues facing the Central Otago district. Sadly during this period, the 911 attack occurred which was soon followed by the war waged on Afghanistan. News stories behind the war were difficult to obtain so I did what any good journalist would do – talk with a senior member of the Afghanistan government. A couple of weeks later I telephoned the Afghan foreign minister who obliged with an interview for a great story.  “Having the privilege of serving two terms on the Vincent Community Board 2004-2010 will always be an honour. I was elected on a ‘doing water better’ ticket and believe that I am probably the only candidate to do so. During this era the board was responsible for about 50 percent of the council rates spend in the ward and I sat on the water committee. We introduced water meters which were targeted at high users of water, with payments only after usage surpassed one unit per day. Irrigation of parks and road reserves came from bores rather than the town supply and the current Alexandra/Clyde bore-field was identified. It is an area that is important to me – efficient and effective water delivery services. “Meanwhile, the new Alexandra swimming pool and museum were also constructed with very little of council funding. As the funds were not sufficient to complete the museum fit-out, I acquired a two year salary package from Wellington to assist the museum staff. This enabled me to successfully lobby central government for the additional funds to complete the fit-out.  “Working for a civil infrastructure company has given me a broad oversight of requirements required in Central Otago, whether it be bridges, roading, water or electricity. Going over the plans of a roundabout I noted a flaw which would have been an expensive exercise if not corrected. The level of detail and questions that need asking in regard to our assets is far above the heads of the average elected member. This area is where the majority of ratepayers money is spent and having specialised elected members is the first step to making significant improvements.    “But best of all – communication and motivation. Having raised two lads from children to adults as a single dad has been the best experience in the world. From caring, listening to each other, respecting each other's view so as to pull together as a team, means the world to me. They grew up in a slice of paradise with stunning landscapes with good friends, camping nearly every second weekend, playing rugby, hockey, basketball, jet skiing within ten minutes of arriving home after school and meeting some of the best people. Now they are great adults and advise me. I am most fortunate and these are some of the skills and experiences I bring to the council table.”  Lynley Claridge and Kas McEntyre did not respond.Maniototo Ward candidates respondThere are two candidates for one vacancy in the Maniototo Ward.Michelle Bisset:“I have broad understanding of government in New Zealand with academic qualifications in social policy; work in local and central government, and community spanning over 20 years.“Excellent communication skills and ability to establish good working relationships across the ages and with folk from all walks of life.“I will “hit the ground running” - I have been attending all CODC council, committee and community board meetings (on-line) and have read every accompanying agenda and/or report since the beginning of this year. In addition to my existing understanding of the local government space, I feel that I have a good understanding of the issues and challenges that the current council has faced, and is facing, and that I will be able to seamlessly join the council team and be an effective member from day one.”Stu Duncan:“Able to understand situations and being able to negotiate a range of outcomes and to listen and problem solve is a key attribute of mine.”Teviot Valley Ward candidates respondThere are two candidates for one vacancy in the Teviot Valley Ward.Curtis Pannett:“Critical thinking: I take a considered approach to decisions, looking at the facts and different viewpoints to make well-reasoned choices. I value robust debate and constructive decision-making that leads to the best outcomes.“Balanced perspective: As a business owner and farmer, I understand the real cost pressures people face day to day. I see the need for clear priorities on spending in core council services, balanced with continual infrastructure investment to address past under-investment and prepare for a population that could grow by up to 65 percent in the next decade.“Long-term commitment: At 35-years-old, I’m deeply invested in the prosperity of this community. I’m focused on making decisions that support the region's wellbeing and prosperity, not just today, but 10, 20, and 30 years into the future.”Mark Quinn: “I am blessed that many people in the echelon of business have taken time in my younger days to up-skill me in how businesses should be run. From there I have had a career based around knowledge, common sense, perception, and analytical skills, passion, energy, and to see through companies operating in a downward way and set them back on track. Retrain CEOs, managers, staff, or if I need to make the decision to close the operation I have.  “Designing the first Pak n Save, with J.W [name withheld] plus many new companies were created in consultation with people who want to learn or expand. In some industries people were dismissed for illegal operations. “I offer a business mind that sorts issues out. I am now offering my skills for our generations to follow before democracy is lost. It’s sad that New Zealand is no longer for the people in its current management over the last few generations of political parties.”Read more: Cromwell voters pack church for candidate showdown

The Central App asked the seven candidates for four seats on Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Dunstan constituency about their community track record.When have you stood up for our community? What exactly did you do, who did you bring with you, and what changed as a result?Here’s how they responded:Ben Farrell: “I have previously stood up for the Wānaka community within the bounds of my professional constraints as an independent planning expert. For example, I supported in Court (as an expert witness) the 400 or so community residents who opposed the location of the Wānaka Watersports Facility. I put my professional reputation on the line for members of the Wānaka community. We lost that case. It hurts a bit as I still [believe] there were better alternative locations. However, the Court did make some recommendations based on my evidence and ultimately I respect the Court’s decision which found in favour of the many locals who supported the current location. "I have also supported, albeit with professional advice behind the scenes, Otago Fish and Game in its management over the Bullock Creek wetland including the impacts of housing development around it.”Neil Gillespie: “Like many people in our community, I’ve had a long involvement in community related groups/organisations like basketball referring, school board of trustees, hockey umpiring, swimming officiating, and the Cromwell Resource Centre Trust. The most significant has been the 32 years as a member of the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade (almost 14 years as the secretary and the last 18 years as an officer, deputy chief and currently chief fire officer) and as a member of the Cromwell Community Board since 1998 (chair 2001 – 2019) and a district councillor since 2001 (deputy mayor since 2010). "All these roles have meant that I’ve been part of a team that has worked for the appropriate community outcomes – I’ve brought a pragmatic, common sense approach based on a knowledge of local government and governance.”Matt Hollyer: “My community track record includes volunteering in sports for the last 15 years - coaching or managing youth in cricket, ice hockey, volleyball - a committee member for 10 years on the Queenstown Cricket Club and [I] established the Whakatipu Sports & Recreation Hub. The Hub aimed to bring a shared sports clubrooms facility to the Whakatipu and provide support services for volunteers in sports groups."Through my work with the Southern Lakes Sanctuary I have stood up for our community in co-founding and then running the Wakatipu Conservation Alliance. The Alliance is an informal network of over 20 community conservation groups, and together with supporters from Wānaka, I led the development of, and submissions to, ORC to introduce a $2M Landscape Scale Conservation fund that was adopted in the 2024 annual plan. It is being rolled out for applications this year and has the potential to provide sustained environmental impact for improving biodiversity that will have a long lasting impact across the region."From 2013 I also spent six years as a director of Destination Queenstown, five of the years as chair. I stood up for many issues affecting the promotion of tourism to the region, including initial conversations with council and government on introducing a visitor bed levy/tax (something that pleasingly has resurfaced) and the concept of collaborating with Lake Wānaka Tourism (which didn't occur during my tenure, but which has subsequently eventuated).”Gary Kelliher: “I believe I am standing up for my community each time I am in a council meeting. Key times though include voting against rates increases in annual plans, and taking a strong stance against the ideology filled draft Land and Water Plan that the Minister eventually halted at the last minute.”Michael Laws: “I've had a range of elected roles - as an MP, mayor and most recently as an elected ORC councillor. Being unafraid of saying 'No' to bad or costly staff proposals,and actively campaigning to assert your community's best interests, have always been a feature of my leadership responsibilities. On the positive/creative side - I've gained funding for lagarosiphon control in Lake Dunstan, exposed inadequate monitoring of wastewater treatment plants (which are now regularly monitored by the ORC), exposed over $5M of secret payments to iwi controlled entities, fought the $65M HQ building being erected in Dunedin, outlined the doubling of ORC staff numbers over the past five years, promoted a more effective pest control policy (still not there, on that one), and sought to improve local decision-making. "We have much to do, still, in all the above areas but reversing the ORC's rapacity for our region's ratepayer monies will be a priority. So too creating a more democratic and accountable ORC.”ORC Dunstan Constituency candidates (clockwise from top): Michael Laws, Gary Kelliher, Nicky Rhodes, Ben Farrell, Matt Hollyer, Neil Gillespie, and Amie Pont. Images: SuppliedAmie Pont: “Many may think I’m a small fish in a big pond running for ORC but as I was told yesterday, I ‘swim pretty fast’. I have worked hard for my community for over 20 years and running for ORC is the natural progression in my passion to serve. I have stood up for my community constantly during that time whether it was supporting our Art Deco festivals, promotions group, business group, our local radio station, local civil defence planning, funding applications, community and economic development roles and consultation, freshwater catchment work, kapa haka, or as chair of Māniatoto Community Arts & Cultural Incorporated, I have constantly held the best interest of the community and the whenua/land at heart…   "Most recently I was able to speak on behalf of many people in our community at the recent Helios Solar Farm hearing. In a small area, it is often difficult to share an opinion in fear of offending your fellow community members, friends and /or family. I attended the full hearing, was able to feed back to the panel on issues raised by Helios the day prior and tabled a last-minute petition of 300 names of people concerned at the size and location of the farm. Many of the signatories did not submit or feared sharing their opinion publicly. There is real concern that if we progress large solar farm development along our tourist routes and main roads, we may end up with a substantial number in Central Otago. Solar has its place - on roofs, in highly populated areas where it is close to where it’s needed most. We are still waiting for the decision by CODC but it will still need to go to ORC for additional consent. Where was our wider district planning in all these solar farm consent applications?"I spoke to my submission to ORC on transport through rural areas; endorsing feedback gained from the community via Facebook. This included issues such as how we can ensure outlying areas are ready for moving people from pressure areas such as Queenstown through to Dunedin via Māniatoto or Roxburgh. What needs and options do we have for public transport once in the smaller towns and how will residents in rural areas be able to access family, healthcare, shopping etc in our larger centres? Plans to develop public transport in Wānaka have progressed which is great but I will continue to advocate for this type of forward thinking…"CODC announced the potential divestment of 11 Māniatoto buildings and the community requested a chance to address and evaluate pros and cons before the submissions period opened. As chair of the Māniatoto Community Arts Council, alongside Rural Art Deco Maniototo Inc, we pulled together a public meeting attended by over 50 members of the community and community groups/townships went away with plans and extra time to prepare. The community appreciated the assistance as it was a lot of work for our volunteers. It was a chance to assess usage of community owned buildings considering earthquake strengthening but also showed we need to have a stronger voice at a district planning level. Many buildings were retained, and others are now progressing alternatives, but we are probably now facing the issue of paying the rates to keep the buildings…"In 2021, it was confirmed once again that Maniototo is a Māori word but had become spelt incorrectly. Two surveys (one informal survey and one run deep within the CODC website) both came back 50/50 which was a surprise to many but not to me. Using the correct spelling had already been discussed in the 1920s and 50s so it was time for the mana of Māniatoto to be restored. The Maniototo Community Board and CODC voted against using the correct spelling to the Board or the Ward however the CODC now use Māniatoto in their everyday communications (unless formally named otherwise). Many have started to pronounce Māniatoto correctly and it is used far more often such as in our community magazine, Positively Māniatoto. I did not expect full conversion but instead the start of wider adoption, which is being achieved…"A particularly memorable advocacy campaign was, as founder of the ‘Maniototo Business Group’ co-ordinating the community response on behalf of residents, local business, community groups and visitors alike when Westpac announced shutting Ranfurly’s only bank. The community came out in protest with signs, petitions, media releases, news segments and much more. Although we lost the bank, the vocal campaign managed to secure the town a smart Eftpos machine which was a compromise at least. Small wins.I will stand up for what is right. A rural voice at a regional level.”Nicky Rhodes: “I am new to local politics - I have spent the past 20 years working away from home and not had capacity to be involved. This has changed in the past couple of years, which has given me time to consider how I can contribute.”

The Central App asked local body candidates for community boards about their community track record.When have you stood up for our community? What exactly did you do, who did you bring with you, and what changed as a result?Here’s how they responded:Cromwell Community Board candidates respond:There are ten candidates for four vacancies on the Cromwell Community Board.Mike Casey: “I have not yet stood up for my local community of Cromwell, but I have been fighting for New Zealanders for a better energy system. We are seeing tangible and quantifiable results from the work we are doing in terms of reducing barriers for customers to electrify, create and store their own electricity and to be paid fairly for their contribution. My electric cherry farm has become a national example of how we can significantly reduce energy costs for farms, businesses, and households and positively impact balance sheets. As a result, I have raised millions in philanthropic funding to help build our charity, Rewiring Aotearoa, and have seen a huge number of local community groups come to my farm to learn more.”Anna Harrison: “This is my ninth year as an elected member of the Cromwell Community Board. I believe that I have stood up for the Cromwell Community throughout that time in many ways. I strive to be a strong and steady representative that seeks to represent the Cromwell community and particularly to advocate for [a] Cromwell voice to be included in decision making about our town. I am particularly proud of the work last year alongside the CCB around the change to a district wide funding model for many council functions and subsequently to the delegations of the board. We brought the community along with us and stood up for making sure the board is kept at the forefront of Cromwell decision making. There is still work to do in this space as the impact of these changes come into effect over this next term. One of the major outcomes has been the development of the Cromwell Endowment Land Investment Strategy. This strategy will help guide the use of the proceeds of the sale and development of Endowment land. It will support decision making to ensure that proceeds are used for the benefit of the Cromwell community and that these benefits consider our current and future population.Wally Sanford: “Last year was the year for standing up for our community. Core duties as a board member were firstly understanding the districtisation proposal and the effect it was going to have on community boards and informing the public of what was happening throughout the process. Our board at the time worked really well together in forming a response to council through the appropriate channels. Prior to community board experience, I was involved with setting up the Pisa District Community Group as an incorporated society and was involved with Connect Cromwell, which was a DIA funded five-year community initiative. I've assisted with native planting days and lakeside clean ups, both organised and ad hoc, mountainbike track digging and wilding pine removal. I'm currently on the local Automobile Association District Council. In my role with Connect Cromwell I was involved with seed funding many community groups and initiatives including goal posts for Alpha St and Dustin Park, bike stands along the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail, timing equipment for the BMX club and disc golf to name a few. I also constructed and installed the trig beacon at the highest point of the Lake Dunstan cycling and walking trail over covid and just prior to the trail opening.”Jane Smith:“My track record includes working for CODC as the information and records management lead (retiring at the end of July 2025). In this role I not only provided community members information from physical records in archives, administered official information requests, responded to general information requests, ensured personal and private information was collected, used, shared and managed appropriately, but also assisted residents with advice and/or references to other agencies regarding family histories. The records of our community’s history ‘tell our story’, including the early days of Chinese Miners, and ensuring information on Maori is retained as archival material. I worked alongside CODC staff to ensure our community information and records are accurate, preserved, protected, maintained and appropriately available. Promoting all of the above raised awareness of how important it is to document our history and maintain accurate and complete information.”Rebecca Anderson, Gerald Duncan, Gary Kirk, Haemia Melling, Travis Muir, and Bill Sanders did not respond.Vincent Community Board candidates respond:There are seven candidates for four vacancies on the Vincent Community Board.Roger Browne:“I have been pleased over the past six years to support Alexandra’s Central Stories museum. This includes ensuring their Vincent Community Board funding was maintained. This means the museum can stay open seven days a week. I have promoted collaboration between the council and Haehaeata Trust for planting projects on council reserves such as the Half Mile reserve.” Jayden Cromb: “In November 2024 a late report was presented to the board recommending the divestment of nearly all of council owned halls in the ward. As chair I facilitated a lengthy debate on the issue and the board came up with its own recommendations based on what it believed the community would accept. While all of those halls still ended up on the list for the Long Term Plan consultation, we still ended up with our recommendations being approved in the end. To achieve this I spent a considerable amount of time around the ward. Formal information evenings, a school, small committees, anyone I could find that wanted to be heard I met with them. By bringing the VCB members and community together we saved the Clyde town hall, railway station and museum. As well as the Ophir, Poolburn, and Becks halls. It was about bringing the community along on the journey to get the result they wanted. Another added benefit of proper engagement and public partnership was 46.8 percent of general submissions and 83 percent of youth submissions coming from this ward. It was a win for everyone involved.”Martin McPherson:“My work as a commissioner under the RMA with Plan change 19 decision making process. Future proofing growth in the wider region. Engaged with residents, property owners and developers. I continue to support our heritage sector and lobby for our museums and cultural vitality. Heritage sector and museum staff. Helped secure ongoing funding. Wilding Pines - the Half Mile. I wanted to see better engagement with the local residents and supported a staged approach to the development of this area. I failed but tried to engage with my fellow elected members to work alongside the residents. Not everything you do is successful but you try.”Karla Sanders“Since co-founding Sticks ‘n Stones in Central Otago in 2013, I’ve consistently advocated for young people to be genuinely involved in research, evaluation, and bullying prevention. That has meant working alongside them as co-researchers and presenters at national and international events, and advocating directly with government to ensure their voices were heard in shaping policy and practice. Through this work, I’ve also ensured that our community has received funding for programmes including mentoring, leadership, and opportunities for young people to develop and connect.Beyond this, I’ve contributed to a range of local committees and community groups here in Central Otago. Standing up for our community, for me, has always been about bringing people together, making sure those who are often overlooked are included, and pushing for decisions that reflect the real needs of our district.”Tony Hammington, Dai Johns, and Jim Moffitt did not respond.Maniototo Community Board candidates:There are seven candidates for four vacancies on the Maniototo Community Board, none of whom responded.Teviot Valley Community Board candidates respond:There are seven candidates for four vacancies on the Teviot Valley Community Board.Gill Booth: “I have a bit of history when it comes to standing up for the “underdog” and for standing up and speaking out against what is wrong. Before becoming a community board member I was involved, with others, in organising the two Groundswell protests in Alexandra. Result. No results.Myself and a friend organised a Central Otago District rural petition against 3 Waters. A verbal submission was presented to the CODC. Result. No Results. The 600 plus signatories were ignored and dismissed by council. The template submissions were classified as one submission.I was part of the organisation team for the Groundswell/TPU Southern ‘Stop 3 Waters’ campaign and was part of the team that collected two petitions, one requiring a full public meeting about 3 Waters, and the other to defund LGNZ. These were delivered to the mayor of the time. Result. No results. Hundreds of people were ignored and dismissed. Council wouldn’t hold a ratepayer/residents meeting and dismissed defunding LGNZ.After being elected for community board, I put out a series of information fliers into nearly every letter box in Teviot Valley. Two results. 1). I was publicly called out by the mayor and two other elected officials for spreading misinformation. Result. 2). Many people learned about the theft of 3 Waters, and the workings of LGNZ and LGFA. Good result. Solicited submissions about the proposed rates increase. Result. Submissions ignored, rates increased by up to 33 percent in Roxburgh and withdrawal of berm mowing. Was called “appalling” by the mayor of the time and censured by my board chairman. Standing up for the ratepayers of Roxburgh was not to be condoned.Solicited submissions against Districtisation which would be detrimental to our area. Result. Despite Teviot and Cromwell being overwhelmingly against Districtisation it went ahead anyway. Two communities were completely ignored. Presented a verbal submission to council about the LTP, which is detrimental to our area. Suggested 3 Waters be a referendum issue in this year’s local body elections, and spoke against the debt burden. Result. Nothing. When not one councillor stood up in outrage at the “get a reverse mortgage” suggestion by mayor [Tim] Cadogan, and the same deafening silence followed the interim mayor's statement about not being able to afford your rates in two years’ time, I realised that no-one is fighting for the residents and ratepayers of our area of Central Otago, so now is the time to make a stand against the tsunami of debt that is headed our way under the current regime at the head table.”Curtis Pannett:“I was fortunate to be appointed to the Teviot Valley Community Board in December 2024 to fill a vacancy. At my very first meeting, we were presented with a list of buildings the council was considering for divestment—one of which was the Millers Flat Hall.Having grown up in Millers Flat, I, along with many others in the community, was perplexed to see this hall on the list. It's a well-used facility—hosting events two to three times a week—and is widely recognised as a well-maintained and valued community asset. Its inclusion in the potential divestment list raised serious concerns. In response, I worked alongside my fellow community board members and the local hall committee to help prepare the strongest possible submission to council. Our goal was clear: to ensure the Millers Flat Hall continues to be recognised and maintained as a core community asset. As a result the hall was retained.”Becky Slade, Hayden Smith, Richard Tamblyn, Sue Cain, and Mark Jessop did not respond.

The Central App asked local body candidates about their community track record.When have you stood up for our community? What exactly did you do, who did you bring with you, and what changed as a result?Here’s how they responded:Central Otago District Council mayoral candidates respond:Tamah Alley: “Worked to secure a long-term water solution through a joint Council Controlled Organisation — ensuring safe, compliant services for future generations. Supported council’s participation in CouncilMARK/Te Korowai, an independent benchmarking tool that drives accountability, transparency, and service excellence.Led the biggest-ever engagement campaign for the Long Term Plan, resulting in the highest number of community submissions on record.On the board of Southern Lakes Trails Trust, building future cycle connections from Cromwell to the Wakatipu Basin and Wānaka, and finally ‘closing the gap’ to Roxburgh.Brought Central Otago to the table with central government as part of the only three-council Regional Deal proposal in New Zealand.I’m proud to say I’ve brought the whole council along on this journey. Over the past 12 months, our decision-making has been built on consensus. One of my key focuses for the last election was increasing community engagement, and I’ve delivered on this — making council more accessible day-to-day across new platforms and reaching demographics that had been underrepresented in the past. I've also ensured Central Otago has a strong voice nationally — from developers to government agencies to national media, we're recognised for making a big impact despite our smaller population. Central Otago is on the map — and in charge of our future. We’re keeping decisions local, from a fairer water solution to strong partnerships with businesses, health, and government. These relationships mean our community is shaped by us, not outsiders. We put people first: protecting what we love, planning for what we need.”Mark Quinn: “Since 2023 I have been travelling NZ with Challenging Councils enlightening all walks of life in the direction and the roles that the councils have become. Much to our forefathers having established councils for the people. Today councils are no longer managing councils in the way that they were set up. Our core services and infrastructure are in seriously poor shape. Water, sewer, rubbish bins, berms, country roads, are seriously neglected, and the huge income from rates and loans are gone to fluffy, feel good, woeful projects instead.Challenging Councils today has followers in all parts of NZ now standing up and going for council. It is a successful educational tool, and will only get stronger as more people learn we pay the council's wages but they are working for Local Government. Councils are now moving away from this LG demanding wasteful status. Auckland, Christchurch the biggest to leave. Smaller councils have also left Local Government. We should too.”Charlie Sanders did not respond. Candidates for the Cromwell Ward respond:There are nine candidates for four vacancies in the Cromwell Ward.Sarah Browne: “I pride myself on being a real community champion for Cromwell. In my role as a councillor for the Cromwell ward in the current triennium, my most notable example was the vote for or against districtising services and facilities. I engaged with the community to get their feeling and I went to the table to bring those points forward. When it came to the vote (which I unfortunately lost) I was one of the two councillors who voted against this (the other being another Cromwell councillor Cheryl Laws). The whole Cromwell community board worked together to make a submission and support our people’s voice and I believe it was a good measure for our community that we really do ‘have their backs’.”Stephen Carruth:“My family and I have spent a considerable period living and (me) working in the major-project construction industry in Australia (before returning relatively recently to live in Central Otago permanently). Before we left Central Otago in 2004, the Cromwell Community Board proposed a land-swap deal that would have seen a Wānaka-based developer create a housing estate right along the top of the 'Sugarloaf’ (the long land-form adjacent to Lowburn). The Sugarloaf is the best example, cited by the NZ Geological Society, of fluvio glacial outwash terraces in the whole of New Zealand. Council had not invested time or energy in protecting that significant landscape.The proposed development was contrary to the Amended Proposed Central Otago District Plan when the Community Board initiated the land swap deal with the developer. As a member of the Lowburn Action Group, we opposed this development and fought hard to undo the Community Board's decision to undertake the land-swap deal. My specific role within the Lowburn Action Group was as group spokesperson. We generated a significant amount of local support for our stand. The disputed development application ultimately went before a panel of independent commissioners (to determine whether a resource consent would be granted). The independent commissioners decided unanimously to reject the application in favor of protecting this important natural landscape.”Dave George: “In Cromwell ward I was concerned about the scoping and layout for the new hall complex. I felt the museum would be better aligned with Old Cromwell. I made an appeal through the ombudsman, to ensure that council began to consult with the wider community. As a ratepayer of nearly five decades I was disappointed with the response from council. There was little or no consultation with the wider community. As a result we have a budget blow-out of $1.6M a year, for the first two years. This obviously will change with measures taken. But we must consider whether council can trade its way out of difficulties.”Cheryl Laws: “I stood against the district wide funding model (districtisation). The council is an organisation that is completely dependent upon information provided by staff in making policy decisions. On the issue of stripping Cromwell’s assets from the Cromwell Community Board and transferring them to the wider interests of the Central Otago district, I was resolutely opposed. I appreciate the community support for my stance, but we were out voted around the council table. That vote taught me a lesson and that is that sometimes this council doesn’t appreciate that Cromwell is the driver of economic activity in our district. Standing up for, and advocating for the best interests of the Cromwell community, will continue to be my priority.”Bob Scott: “During the four years I have served on the Cromwell Community Board, I have been involved with many community groups. Most notably, I have been the liaison between the Community Board and the Cromwell and Districts Promotions Group who famously organise the Light Up Winter event along with many others. I was also instrumental in finding a new home for the toy library after their previous home at the Memorial Hall was no longer available. I campaigned for the pedestrian crossing in Waenga Drive to be installed ahead of schedule to assist the residents of the Golden View retirement home to safely access the town, Anderson Park, and the medical centre. I managed with others to secure the long-term future of the Cromwell Golf Club on its existing course in the centre of town. I am very proud of my achievements as an elected representative of this community, particularly in securing with fellow board members the proceeds of the sale of endowment land for the benefit of the people of Cromwell.”Terry Davis, Andrew Burns, Gareth Noble, and Charlie Sanders did not respond.Vincent Ward candidates respond:There are 11 candidates for four vacancies in the Vincent Ward.Gill Booth:“I have a bit of history when it comes to standing up for the “underdog” and for standing up and speaking out against what is wrong. Before becoming a community board member I was involved, with others, in organising the two Groundswell protests in Alexandra. Result. No results. Myself and a friend organised a Central Otago District rural petition against 3 Waters. A verbal submission was presented to the CODC. Result. No Results. The 600 plus signatories were ignored and dismissed by council. The template submissions were classified as one submission. I was part of the organisation team for the Groundswell/TPU Southern ‘Stop 3 Waters’ campaign and was part of the team that collected two petitions, one requiring a full public meeting about 3 Waters, and the other to defund LGNZ. These were delivered to the mayor of the time. Result. No results. Hundreds of people were ignored and dismissed, Council wouldn’t hold a ratepayer/residents meeting and dismissed defunding LGNZ.After being elected for community board, I put out a series of information flyers into nearly every letter box in Teviot Valley. Result 1) I was publicly called out by the mayor and two other elected officials for spreading misinformation. Result 2) many people learned about the theft of 3 Waters, and the workings of LGNZ and LGFA. Good result. Solicited submissions about the proposed rates increase. Result. Submissions ignored, rates increased by up to 33 percent in Roxburgh and withdrawal of berm mowing. Was called “appalling” by the mayor of the time and censured by my board chairman. Standing up for the ratepayers of Roxburgh was not to be condoned. Solicited submissions against Districtisation which would be detrimental to our area. Result. Despite Teviot and Cromwell being overwhelmingly against Districtisation it went ahead anyway. Two communities were completely ignored. Presented a verbal submission to council about the LTP, which is detrimental to our area. Suggested 3 Waters be a referendum issue in this year’s local body elections, and spoke against the debt burden. Result. Nothing. When not one councillor stood up in outrage at the ‘get a reverse mortgage’ suggestion by mayor [Tim] Cadogan, and the same deafening silence followed the interim mayor's statement about not being able to afford your rates in two years’ time, I realised that no-one is fighting for the residents and ratepayers of our area of Central Otago, so now is the time to make a stand against the tsunami of debt that is headed our way under the current regime at the head table.”Jayden Cromb:“In November 2024 a late report was presented to the board recommending the divestment of nearly all of council owned halls in the ward. As chair I facilitated a lengthy debate on the issue and the board came up with its own recommendations based on what it believed the community would accept. While all of those halls still ended up on the list for the Long Term Plan consultation, we still ended up with our recommendations being approved in the end. To achieve this I spent a considerable amount of time around the ward. Formal information evenings, a school, small committees, anyone I could find that wanted to be heard I met with them. By bringing the VCB members and community together we saved the Clyde town hall, railway station and museum. As well as the Ophir, Poolburn, and Becks halls. It was about bringing the community along on the journey to get the result they wanted. Another added benefit of proper engagement and public partnership was 46.8% of general submissions and 83 percent of youth submissions coming from this ward. It was a win for everyone involved.”Dave McKenzie: “School board of trustees. Brought business and property management experience. Developed an asset management plan for schools and policy for children with separated parents.”Nathan McLean:“Community involvement for me started back in high school, being involved with groups tasked with running events for youth. From there I became involved with my faculty student and staff society while studying at university, eventually serving as treasurer for two terms. Once living in Central Otago, while my children were young, I became involved with the Alexandra Toy Library committee, serving for five years as Treasurer. I've been involved with hockey and rugby in Alexandra, coaching and managing teams. As a family we are also involved with the Alexandra Squash Club, where I am involved as a player, but I am also on the club committee, looking after memberships, treasurer duties and I am the club secretary.I am also on the Board of Trustees for St Gerards School, serving for the past nine years (three terms) and the past three years serving as the presiding member.I love being involved, I love being able to represent others and advocate for those people who don't have time, or don't have the ability to be present.”Martin McPherson:“My work as a commissioner under the RMA with Plan change 19 decision making process. Future proofing growth in the wider region. Engaged with residents, property owners and developers.I continue to support our heritage sector and lobby for our museums and cultural vitality. Heritage sector and museum staff. Helped secure ongoing funding. Wilding Pines - The Half Mile. I wanted to see better engagement with the local residents and supported a staged approach to the development of this area. I failed but tried to engage with my fellow elected members to work alongside the residents. Not everything you do is successful but you try.”Tracy Paterson:“Since arriving in Omakau… 25 years ago I have been actively involved in the community. Initially starting out in Plunket and the Omakau and Districts Toy Library when my kids were young I then moved on to serve for 13 years on the Omakau School Board of Trustees. I have stood up for health care in Central Otago for over 12 years through my involvement in Central Otago Health Inc. both as a member and chair. I have served on the Central Otago A&P Show committee for several years and [am] a strong advocate for the importance of the rural sector in our district. I am the chair of the Bob Turnbull Charitable Trust that gives grants to the community every year. I am a volunteer for the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Central Otago and am passionate about the amazing opportunity for growth and development it offers its participants. In my capacity as an elected member I have always stood up for the community - both to those who have actively engaged and those who speak to me on the side of sports fields, at the supermarket, the petrol station, the engineers, the woolshed, the various retailers or on the phone. I have backed community groups with their proposals to create better spaces and amenities while making the hard decisions on community infrastructure.”Louise van der Voort:“In my professional role in local government, I frequently engaged with the community through workshops on master planning, spatial planning, and district plan discussions. I facilitated collaboration among diverse groups, ensuring all voices were heard. My expertise in legislation and strong people skills have led to well-informed discussions and decisions with improved community outcomes.” Cam Withington:“About 2003/4 the Alexandra Historical Society was in dire straits and struggling to complete the fit-out of their new museum. So I raised a two year salary outside of council funds to help complete the project. Soon after, I applied to various agencies and government ministries to raise several hundred thousand dollars, which virtually completed the fit-out. In the meantime, a good number of significant artefacts were brought back to the new facility, all the while, negotiating the acquisition of Russel Clark’s 28-panel mural - all at no cost to ratepayers. Our community was very supportive and today they continue to enjoy the art gallery and the historical content.”Lynley Claridge, Ian Cooney, and Kas McEntyre did not respond.Maniototo Ward candidates respond:There are two candidates for one vacancy in the Maniototo Ward.Michelle Bisset:“Having only recently returned to Otago, I would like to refer to a project I was involved in in my last rural community which has broad application in any rural area faced with a changing workforce. Partnering with Rural Women New Zealand (Tutaenui Branch) and a local training provider in Marton (ICENZ), our project worked with Pacifika women whose families had come to New Zealand to work at a local meat works. The pastoral care for these families was minimal and in addition to lacking the basic household essentials, upskilling in local foods and cooking methods was essential. Once a week for a term, the Tutaenui women shared their recipes and cooking skills using economical and seasonal foods to produce nutritionally balanced family meals. During class time, these were compiled into a recipe book and at the end of term this was published to be distributed across the community and also entered into the RWNZ Lady Blundell competition, which the group won.I have had decades of contributing to every community that I have lived in - from volunteering with service groups; collecting and supporting charities such as the Child Cancer Foundation; Blood and Leukemia and the Cancer Society to involvement in local politics and Civil Defence. I remain a member of Rural Women New Zealand and am currently the secretary of the Patearoa Community Group.”Stu Duncan:“I have been a chairman of the Wedderburn Community Association – which we raised funds and shifted the Wedderburn Goods shed back to its site on the rail trail. I have also been on the Naseby Cricket committee, Ranfurly rugby club committee, setting up the original Rail Trail Operators group. I have been on the management committee of Ranfurly Fire Brigade for 10 years and we were instrumental in merging the rural and urban fire brigades – which was the first in NZ. I have been on the Maniototo Community Board for over 20 years and have seen some amazing developments – hospital – curling rink – new playground. I have been a councillor for four terms and in this time have seen enormous growth within this region. I have stood up for many issues in support of my community – from bank closures, potential library closures, road closures, hall closures and have always been a strong advocate for the Maniototo in retaining our key community services.”Teviot Valley Ward candidates respond:There are two candidates for one vacancy in the Teviot Valley Ward.Curtis Pannett:“I was fortunate to be appointed to the Teviot Valley Community Board in December 2024 to fill a vacancy. At my very first meeting, we were presented with a list of buildings the council was considering for divestment—one of which was the Millers Flat Hall.Having grown up in Millers Flat, I, along with many others in the community, was perplexed to see this hall on the list. It's a well-used facility—hosting events two to three times a week—and is widely recognised as a well-maintained and valued community asset. Its inclusion in the potential divestment list raised serious concerns. In response, I worked alongside my fellow community board members and the local hall committee to help prepare the strongest possible submission to council. Our goal was clear: to ensure the Millers Flat Hall continues to be recognised and maintained as a core community asset. As a result the hall was retained.”Mark Quinn:“Since 2023 I have been travelling New Zealand with Challenging Councils, enlightening all walks of life in the direction and the roles that the councils have become. Much to our forefathers having established councils for the people. Today councils are no longer managing councils in the way that they were set up. Our core services and infrastructure are in seriously poor shape. Water, sewer, rubbish bins, berms, country roads, are seriously neglected, and the huge income from rates and loans are gone to fluffy, feel good, woeful projects instead.Challenging Councils today has followers in all parts of NZ now standing up and going for council. It is a successful educational tool, and will only get stronger as more people learn we pay the council's wages but they are working for local government. Councils are now moving away from this local government demanding wasteful status. Auckland, Christchurch the biggest to leave. Smaller councils have also left local government. We should too.”