2022 Local Election Candidates

Below is a complete list of all confirmed candidates for the 2022 local elections.

For further information, or if you have any questions, please contact the QLDC Electoral Office Jane Robertson via email at governance@qldc.govt.nz

Mayoral Candidates Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board

Nominee Contact Details Candidates and Nominators

Mayoral Candidates

The role of Mayor is full-time and involves weekend and evening events. The Mayor represents the interests of the community and leads the Council.

• spokesperson for the Council
• presides over Council to ensure business is carried out in a democratically responsible and orderly manner
• chairs Council meetings
• works with peers and colleagues in neighbouring authorities, central government, iwi and significant other interest groups
• represents the interests of the community to central government and nationally, attracting public and private
• funding and investment and major events to the district, and champions the four well-beings – cultural, social, economic, and environmental
• appoints and manages the performance of the Chief Executive
• appoints the deputy mayor
• recommends the appointment of Standing Committee Chairs

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Alistair Angus

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown Lakes District Council Election area. Use every tool and mechanism available to retain total control of our water infrastructure.
A comprehensive and transparent investigation into the lake view sale, who most benefited.

Investigate how the council was driven to sign the illegal lease of Wānaka airport. Suspend all consultancy contracts, assess them for value, and ascertain who is financially benefiting. It certainly doesn't appear to be the ratepayers.

Identify and lock in for future generations the immense environmental recovery that has been an accidental upside of COVID.

Publicly investigate and assess how much power corporate Ngai Tahu has over our Council, particularly regarding the wahi tapuna overlay of charges and control relating to all consents
and current permitted activities.

We must return to a community focused Council. If you've got the courage, I'm your man."

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Glyn Lewers

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown Lakes District Council Election area.

Now is the time for a positive, pragmatic, community-led plan from Council. Having served three years as a QLDC Councillor, I'll waste no time hitting the ground running.

Key issues to address: Big-picture thinking on balancing growth with quality of life, including a plan for infrastructure and attainable housing. Community-led decision-making. It takes many voices to represent our community. I'll work to balance visitors' and residents' needs alongside Kai Tahu engagement. Climate change. We lack a solid plan to protect our environment. Climate change and Vision Beyond 2050 must underpin all decision-making.

Resilient and diversified economy: Developing a sustainable plan for growth, an independent economic development agency, and events strategy.

As a Councillor, Destination Queenstown Board member, structural engineer, father-of-two, junior sports coach, and active volunteer, I intersect with many aspects of life in our district. As Mayor, I bring the experience needed to lead us out of challenging times."

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Jon Mitchell - "Community first"

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown Lakes District Council Election area. QLDC needs an experienced independent mayor to lead real change. I am absolutely committed to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and
economy.

Born, raised, and living in Queenstown. Experience in tourism and management in Queenstown Lakes. Over 20 years' experience in local government change and project management, community and economic development, disaster readiness, response and recovery, and crisis leadership in New Zealand and abroad. Tertiary qualifications in geography, public administration and leadership, planning, and emergency management.

Successful business owner. Board co-chair of a public-private international disaster risk management consortium. Board member of reinvigorated Shaping Our Future.

My vision:

• Thriving communities put first in all decision-making.
• QLDC's credibility rebuilt.
• QLDC budgets reviewed to live within ratepayer means.
• Increased, streamlined community grants.
• Economy diversified, sustainable and resilient.
• Affordable housing fast-tracked.
• Innovative public and active transport delivered.
• Council in control of Queenstown Airport Corporation.
• Sustainably managed growth.
• Redesigned Three Waters Reform."

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Daniel Shand

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown Lakes District Council Election area.

I believe you can take politics seriously and still have a sense of humour. I find politics interesting, and I'd like to present it in a way that is interesting, so others might want to get more involved.

Politics is important, decisions are being made that affect you directly, and you should feel like you have some say in those decisions. I look at the Mayor as a public employee. The Mayor's job is to represent those in their electorate, they should try to find out where the majority of the public stand on an issue and then represent those views in Council.

I may not have a lot of experience in local government, but I have experience feeling like I'm not being heard by Government. If elected, I'd like to change this for others as no one should feel this way in a democracy."

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Neeta Shetty

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown Lakes District Council Election area. I am also standing for Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward.

To build the public's trust by engaging with businesses, organisations, and the entire district to promote efficiency of service and transparency on spending for a stronger community."

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Olivia Wensley - "Fresh Thinking. Innovation. Transparency."

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown Lakes District Council Election area.

A strong leader with the vision to transform our region's economy for the benefit of our
community. Experienced with Local + Central Government - as Lawyer, and part of wider QLDC Economic Development team.

Lawyer since 2007 (Construction + Investment Banking), Tech Executive, CEO of Startup Queenstown Lakes. Qualified to lead. Local for 10+ years. Currently working with 100's of local businesses, deep understanding of business and frustrations in our region.

A strong advocate for our region. Has met multiple times with Ministers at the Beehive to address our region's issues. Attracted millions of dollars investment into local projects.

• NO to Three Waters.
• NO to airport expansion (Queenstown, Wanaka and Tarras).
• YES to addressing worker accommodation + housing shortage.
• YES to addressing traffic issues.
• YES to better hospital.
• YES to renewable tourism and sustainability.
• YES to higher productivity jobs - particularly Tech + Film.

Let's build a brighter future together."

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Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward (three seats)

The role of a Councillor's is as follows:

• provides input into and approves Council’s strategies and plans
• engages directly with the community on Council’s strategies and plans
• represents Council as an appointed member of committees and working groups
• develops positive working relationships with neighbouring local authorities, identifying opportunities for community and economic development
• helps members of the public resolve problems by directing them to appropriate Council officials and follows up where appropriate

Councillors can be appointed chairperson of a committee.

They are:

• appointed by the Mayor
• may act as an official spokesperson
• preside over committee meetings

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Danijel Duvnjak

"My principal place of residence is not in the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward area.

We recently moved here with our young family and I would love the opportunity to represent the other young families and creative entrepreneurs.

My belief is that we are guardians of this land and my vision is to speak for future we hold in trust for our children and our community.

My desire is to do this by cultivating common sense through shared conversations and uniting around core principles and shared values."

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Craig 'Ferg' Ferguson

"My principal place of residence is in the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward area.

It has been a gruelling and, at times, relentless three years that has led us to a period of healing that must shape the next triennium. We must continue to build on some of the decisions of previous councils whilst understanding and not dismissing the cries of our people and our communities.

It has been an honour to chair the Community and Services Committee and to be a Council representative on the Queenstown Lake's Community Housing Trust, The Heritage Trust, The Wakatipu Junior Golf club and Te Atamira.

I will continue to dig into my strong community roots from kindergartens, schools, community and sporting groups, youth trusts and elderly care to help steer the region through the challenging times ahead.

It is a wiser person that is slow to talk but quick to listen has been one of my commitments to our region. I say: What About Us?"

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Lisa Guy

"My principal place of residence is in the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward area.

People, Productivity and Place Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward villages have unique history and challenging futures, they are exceptional places. With passionate and diverse residents, rate payers and businesses, who rely on council and expect more.

I'm committed to do the work, representing all people, our shared values, and priorities.

Who am I? Lisa Guy - Your vote, your representative. Local 30 years. Human resource strategist - business development, tourism, local government, community service.

I stand to: Build Communities; Focus on People, be responsive to local conditions, improve places we call home, make living here sustainable; Facilitate well-being in well places Regenerate Business; Leave the place better; Strengthen economic productivity, boost our workforce, look to changes required to meet future demands, prioritise best interests of communities. Look after this Place; Engage district wide, work collaboratively, respect our environment, protect biodiversity; Target issues that matter.

Lisa Guy - Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward, deliver a compelling future, together."

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Nell Hunter

"My principal place of residence is in the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward area.

I am a mother to three children and I am standing for Council to preserve the kiwi way-of-life that I believe is slipping away from them.

I am a local painter and decorator and am involved in the construction industry. The last few years have been extremely unsettling for everyone and especially for our children. I believe that moving forward will depend on accountability and building back trust and transparency with our leaders and Council.

I want to create a voice for our community, to be accessible and approachable to anyone and everyone. We must begin with the very basics right here in the Wakatipu area.

Our children need a community that they can rely on, trust and feel proud to be a part of. We need unity in our community.

My kettle is always on. I'm here ready to listen and to be here for you."

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Neeta Shetty

"My principal place of residence is in the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.

To build the public's trust by engaging with businesses, organisations and the entire district to promote efficiency of service and transparency on spending for a stronger community."

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Melissa White

"My principal place of residence is in the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward area.

I would like to represent you, the people who live in my neighborhood. I am a single, co-parenting, small business owner. I care very much what happens to the community we are living in and what this will look like for our children as they grow up. I have a strong focus on sustainability in both an everyday sense and with larger outlook as well.

Prior to owning my own business, I completed a science and business degree, before embarking on a career in consultancy and HR.

I am a good listener and I am not afraid to speak my mind. I am putting myself forward as I believe I have the skills, knowledge and experience to make a valuable contribution to the governance of our community.

I would be grateful for the chance to contribute a real life voice to the Queenstown Council."

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Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward (four seats)

The role of a Councillor's is as follows:

• provides input into and approves Council’s strategies and plans
• engages directly with the community on Council’s strategies and plans
• represents Council as an appointed member of committees and working groups
• develops positive working relationships with neighbouring local authorities, identifying opportunities for community and economic development
• helps members of the public resolve problems by directing them to appropriate Council officials and follows up where appropriate

Councillors can be appointed chairperson of a committee.

They are:

• appointed by the Mayor
• may act as an official spokesperson
• preside over committee meetings

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Gavin Bartlett

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward area.

Married with four daughters, I have lived in Queenstown for most of the last 25 years. I am currently involved with the committees of the Wakatipu Rugby Club, St Joseph's School PTA, and Queenstown RSA.

Many of the challenges our district currently faces have an engineering aspect to them. As a practising Chartered Professional Engineer, I am offering my skills, training, experience, and time to be part of a council team that is able to deal with these complex problems and look ahead to where the district sees itself heading over the next 25 years, and beyond.

I recognise the need to listen to the concerns of the community with an open mind, in order to provide considered input to council decisions and arrive at the best outcomes for our district.

I ask for your support to add what value I can on your behalf."

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Stevey Chernishov

"My principal place of residence is not in the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward area. I am also standing for Invercargill City Mayor, and Southland District Councillor..

We need to build resilience within the South and improve our capacity to function as a localised economy. It is time for new momentum, fresh ideas, and economically wise developments.

My vision is to travel between Central Otago, Southland District, and Invercargill City to understand the views of the people and build a collaborative link between the centres.

With an informed perspective of what is being developed in each area, I will present robust discussions and contribute creative ideas. My focus is for the empowerment of those who live in the region, and to gather insight that will assist to reinvent tourism.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.murihiku.nz

I am not afraid to challenge the status quo, embrace traditional values, present brilliant ideas, and to hear the views of our people. With a background in teaching, design, and marketing I will present a clear and well-grounded voice for our people."

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Anton Dorner

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward area.

Kia ora. My name is Tony, and I am originally from Germany. I have lived here for the last 13
years and worked in the tourist industry. I have seen how Queenstown has grown and changed over the last decade.

The pandemic halted this development. Now we have the chance to go ahead in the right direction. I see the Queenstown Lakes District as a safe haven for our community and an inspiring playground for our visitors. We are a family friendly place, where the people want to come to stay and enjoy.

In these challenging times, we have to become more sustainable, by increasing the health care opportunities, using more Eco friendly energies and creating jobs by attracting smaller businesses.

Only if we care about each other can we look forward to a successful future."

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Niki Gladding, BSc DipTeaching

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown-Wakatipu Ward area.

I haven't advertised, but I'd LOVE another term - I've got unfinished business, and knowledge and ideas to share with a new governance team.

My approach to decision-making is to always understand the detail, legal aspects, risk, the wider context, and (most importantly) what the community thinks.

I bring: tenacity; strategic thinking; experience in planning law; a knack for spotting gaps, problems and opportunities; plus a dash of activism.

If re-elected, I'll be more proactive in defence of our future - meaning I'll bring more motions to the table if progress on climate mitigation, adaptation, and supporting biodiversity isn't swift.

I want to improve both the way we inform and consult the community, and the processes leading up to decisions around the use of your money. There needs to be more rigour and foresight and better understanding of the climate implications and opportunity costs of Council's investment decisions."

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Peter Newport

"My principal place of residence is not in the Queenstown-Wakatipu Ward area.

I am an experienced journalist and TV producer who has a lifelong connection with Queenstown and have lived here for the past 10 years. As a journalist I have had the opportunity to observe our council in action and am confident that greater trust can be created through greater transparency.

My view is that trust is essential for our council to work effectively especially as $100 million of public money is spent each year. My contribution to the community will be to work with QLDC to find new ways to share information and build an open, healthy, and accessible relationship with us as ratepayers.

Economic diversification, climate change, sustainable tourism and affordable housing are all priorities that need extra attention.There is also an opportunity for the relationship between all sectors of our community to be refreshed through a revitalised, accessible council culture"

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Claire Turnham

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward area.

I am a values led visionary and lead courageously with compassion, empathy and integrity. I am passionate about education, raising awareness and campaigning for issues that matter. I regularly present at conferences and advocate for fair, ethical and sustainable practices. Most importantly, I am committed to helping people, inspiring change and improving outcomes.

My strengths are listening to and responding to needs, developing authentic relationships through trust and getting things done. I have a proven record of engaging collaboratively with political, regulatory, industry and local stakeholders in diverse, international and multi-cultural communities.

I have founded Victim of Viagogo, helping reclaim $5 million for ripped-off fans; worked with Ed Sheeran and his team to eliminate ticket abuse; provided ticketing advice to NZ rugby, facilitated community caring and wellbeing workshops; co-founded a for impact business; been honoured by Amnesty International and awarded an MBE for services to consumer rights."

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Mary Weston

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward area.

I'm excited for this opportunity to introduce myself to the Queenstown Community. As a Councillor one can become immersed in so much more than just the role of ratepayer and my aim is to bring as much of me to the table as I possibly can.

After many years of primary school teaching, raising family, travelling and experiencing different cultures, I feel fortunate to have developed a strong appreciation for diversity in relationships, challenges, and environments.

Aside from raising my four amazing children, I have spent many years/hours involved in school performances and community theatre productions which have fed my creative urges to the max. Although retired, there is still a desire and determination to get
involved.

To expand knowledge, to embrace challenges, to think critically, to debate issues, to promote transparency and accountability, for the good of the community. This, definitely, raises
my level of interest."

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Esther Whitehead

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown/Whakatipu Ward area.

Kia ora, I'm Esther. Thanks for voting me in last year in the by-election! I've learned a great deal ready for this term.

I'm deeply invested in our community, having set up a range of initiatives (businesses/charities) to support community, e.g., KiwiHarvest - Food Rescue, Sustainable Queenstown Community Trust, Kip McGrath Education Centre.

I'm a consultant with Thrivable.Design, leading Inclusion Strategies and Sustainable Practices to workplaces. I have degrees and a background in Ecology, Specialist Education and Leadership. I owned and directed Kip McGrath Education Centre from 2001 to 2010 and taught many of your kids (now voting adults!).

Locally, I sit on the Welcoming Migrant Communities Board and the Climate Reference Group - having experience in developing policy and implementing change. I listen, so that I can mobilise support. I leave my ego behind, casting my councillor vote for what's best for an equitable community now and in the future.

Tënä koutou katoa,
Ko Kawarau te maunga
Ko Kawarau te awa
Ko Ingarangi te whenua ö öku tïpuna
Engari, i tipu ake au ki Ingarangi
I te tau I haere mai 1999 au ki Aotearoa
Ko Esther Whitehead töku ingoa
Nö reira, Tënä koutou, tënä koutou, tënä koutou k."

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Matt Wong

"My principal place of residence is in the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward area.

Whakatipu has been my home for 20 years. I am a father to two young children, husband, and owner of iFLY Indoor Skydiving. I am an elected board member on the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce and have several governance roles, mainly in not-for-profit organisations. I have held senior positions in the travel and tourism industry and led our people through the global pandemic to create an award-winning sustainable business.

The kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for people and place extends to community and I will play my part to enhance the quality of life for future generations. The post covid challenges facing our district are still ongoing, but there are opportunities to take advantage of the situation, not of people, and foster cross community collaboration to tackle complex issues and enhance positive growth.

We will not regret what we did in life, we will regret what we didn't do."

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Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward (four seats)

The role of a Councillor's is as follows:

• provides input into and approves Council’s strategies and plans
• engages directly with the community on Council’s strategies and plans
• represents Council as an appointed member of committees and working groups
• develops positive working relationships with neighbouring local authorities, identifying opportunities for community and economic development
• helps members of the public resolve problems by directing them to appropriate Council officials and follows up where appropriate

Councillors can be appointed chairperson of a committee.

They are:

• appointed by the Mayor
• may act as an official spokesperson
• preside over committee meetings

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Barry Bruce

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward area. I am also standing for Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board.

As a Wanaka resident and business owner for 25 years I have an acute awareness of the rapid growth our district is experiencing and the resulting effects, both good and not so good, on our social, economic and environmental wellbeing.

Wānaka and the Upper Clutha will always be a desirable place to live; the balance is ensuring our community, whilst having a strong diverse local economy, respects the environment and provides the best possible amenities.

Married to Sue, with adult children living and working in the district and the next generation of grandchildren to consider, I want to value, improve and protect this special part of the world.

It is satisfying to see WCB approved projects completed, others underway and more planned. I would be honoured to be re-elected so I can help lead the work already started over the past three years"

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Oliver Burke (no photo)

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward area.

A fresh perspective."

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Lyal Cocks

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward area. I am also standing for Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board.

I have lived in Wanaka for more than 24 years and during that time have owned and operated
accommodation and restaurant businesses, and currently provide driver services and training. I served this district as a Community Board member, Councillor and Deputy Mayor over a 12-year period up until 2016.

My years of local government experience means I know how the Council and Community Board should function to the benefit of Upper Clutha ratepayers. I will use this knowledge and experience to provide effective representation, transparent communication, and prudent use of ratepayer's money.

I am known for my work ethic and integrity and will strive to ensure decisions on local issues are made with local input by elected members who can be held accountable."

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Ross McCarthy

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward area.

My name is Ross McCarthy, I am married with one daughter and am a 5th generation local. I have a creative and innovative mind and after finishing a diploma in industrial design and a master's degree in product design.

I went out and found investment to develop a wave pool for surfing, kayaking, and wake boarding. After ten hard years, I get to bring the final product back home. You will see this wave pool in Hāwea Flat this summer.

I want to use the skills I have learnt to benefit our community by joining our council team. I will be against Three Waters, bring great experience in developing infrastructure and will bring innovative ideas to better the community."

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Daniel Shand

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.

I believe a Ward Councillor should try to find out where their electorate stands on particular issues, and then represent those views to Council. A Ward Councillor should be willing to support and advocate issues being put forward by those in their community.

I believe a Ward Councillor should be approachable and available to answer questions, take requests, and listen to any problems being voiced on any local government issue. If I am elected that's what I'd try to do for the those in this electorate.

My phone number is 0221580045. If I am elected, give me a ring and if I can, I'll help you with any local government issue."

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Quentin Smith

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward area.

With a proven track record of representing the Upper Clutha communities I am seeking re-election for a 3rd term. Our community continues to grow at a rapid rate and we need to ensure our ratepayers are supported to maintain the great lifestyle our district offers. I put community first in every decision with their interests and well-being at forefront.

Strategic planning in the areas of urban growth, economic development, transport, infrastructure, services, facilities and recreation with meaningful community engagement remains essential.

In the past term I am most proud of the purchase of Mt Iron, delivery of key parts of our active travel network and a dramatic increase in the infrastructure investment.

I have lived in Wänaka for 19 years and participated as a sportsman, trustee, club officeholder, and community advocate. With my wife Kate and daughter I want to continue make a difference in our community."

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Cody Tucker

"My principal place of residence is not in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward area.

Hi, I'm Cody. 27 year old designer from Lake Hāwea, not quite born but raised in Wānaka. Lately I have been very involved in the Hāwea community as Chair of the Shaping our Futures Task Force, co-designing the 50 year Master Plan and designing the signs for Lake Hāwea and Hāwea Flat.

I've found a real passion for community work and am looking to be a young active leader who can represent your voice in local council. I've seen this region evolve over the last couple of decades and want to ensure there's still a fair pathway for young people to build a life here.

I'm looking to positively facilitate better communication with our communities, provide creative solutions to our complex problems and support more long term thinking when investing in the region to ensure there's real sustainability in the economy, the environment, housing and transport."

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John Wellington

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward area. I am also standing for Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board.

I have lived with my partner Julie Jones in Wanaka for 24 years and our daughter attends MAC. I have a background in financial and property management and am currently a tourism business owner/operator. I am a founding Trustee of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust, being treasurer/fundraiser for 16 years.

I support both recreational and active transport and wish to see the Wānaka Masterplan progressed. Upper Clutha now has 4 Councillors and with the Mayor and many Queenstown and Wānaka Councillors not seeking re-election this creates an opportunity to reset the relationship between Council and the community.

We are a very engaged community, but rarely achieve consensus resulting in projects ending up in the too hard basket. We need a strong slate of Councillors together with an effective Wānaka Community Board to find common ground within our community and then ensure that those issues are understood by Council and addressed."

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Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board (four seats)

The role of the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board is to represent and act as an advocate for the Wānaka-Upper Clutha community.

The Council has given extensive delegation to the Community Board to make decisions on many of the facilities and services located within the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward.

Community Board members have a uniquely local perspective aligned with the community of interest they represent, whereas the Mayor and Councillors must consider matters from a district-wide perspective not just the ward they are elected in.

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Barry Bruce

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board area. I am also standing for Council - Wänaka-Upper Clutha Ward.

As a Wanaka resident and business owner for 25 years I have an acute awareness of the rapid growth our district is experiencing and the resulting effects, both good and not so good, on our social, economic and environmental wellbeing.

Wānaka and the Upper Clutha will always be a desirable place to live; the balance is ensuring our community, whilst having a strong diverse local economy, respects the environment and provides the best possible amenities.

Married to Sue, with adult children living and working in the district and the next generation of grandchildren to consider, I want to value, improve and protect this special part of the world. It is satisfying to see WCB approved projects completed, others underway and more planned.

I would be honoured to be re-elected to the Wanaka Upper Clutha Community Board so I can help lead the work already started over the past three years."

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Lyal Cocks

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board area. I am also standing for Council - Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward.

I have lived in Wānaka for more than 24 years and during that time have owned and operated accommodation and restaurant businesses, and currently provide driver services and training. I served this district as a Community Board member, Councillor and Deputy Mayor over a 12-year period up until 2016.

My years of local government experience means I know how the Council and Community Board should function to the benefit of Upper Clutha ratepayers. I will use this knowledge and experience to provide effective representation, transparent communication, and prudent use of ratepayer's money.

I am known for my work ethic and integrity and will strive to ensure decisions on local issues are made with local input by elected members who can be held accountable."

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Chris Hadfield

"My principal place of residence is in the WānakaUpper Clutha Community Board area.

I moved to Wānaka 18 years ago and my husband Paul and I own Ritual Cafe.

I am seeking re-election to the Community Board. I continue to have strong views on the direction of Wānaka as it now faces a period of growth after the last two years of disruption. It is essential that residents feel that their views are being heard and their elected representatives are listening.

As a Community Board member my ongoing focus will be as an advocate for the community and continue to connect the ratepayers with their council. There are many contentious issues facing us as we move into 2023 and my aim is to ensure that Wānaka has a say in how these issues are addressed."

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Emily Hay

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board area.

Having been born and raised in New Zealand, I'm incredibly thankful to be living on this beautiful land. I care very much for our future and community in Otago.

Having spent 10 years abroad in many countries, I feel I have experience and knowledge to add to the community for growth and progression in all areas."

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Linda Joll

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board area.

An opportunity to represent Cardrona on the Wānaka Community board is exciting. We are going through enormous change post COVID. Skills I can bring to the table include, courage, resilience and compassion.

I lived in Wānaka in 2015 and Cardrona 2019-2022. Previously I lived in Leigh, north of Matakana, for 23 years. My life has been surrounded by landscape, design, construction, supervision and care.

I am a director of Reset Urban Design, based in the Precinct, Wānaka. Amongst my passions are family, business, children, youth, art, music, landscape and community. I volunteer to Warbirds, Winter Games, and Tekano Nursery. I am a trustee of the Lakes District Arts Trust.

Now is my time to give back to community to being open, to listen, to support, to represent and lead through the challenges of growth, to ensure the community is heard, listened to, and understood by the governing council representatives."

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Simon Telfer

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board area.

I bring fresh energy and a proactive attitude to the Community Board, a track record of both working with, and challenging, QLDC.

I'm committed to: Ensuring QLDC gives Upper Clutha its fair share of resources and prioritisation; People being at the heart of Wänaka's town centre redesign; Constructing a network of safe cycleways; Supporting local businesses; Acting as a guardian for our beautiful natural environment; Empowering our volunteer community to continue their amazing work.

Since 2016 I've served the Bike Wānaka committee, fighting hard to save Sticky Forest. Alongside this I have led Active Transport Wānaka's advocacy to build a network of protected cycleways. In 2020 I chaired the District's Regenerative Recovery Advisory Group (part of QLDC's COVID-19 response).

Professionally I'm a director/advisor to many businesses, including six years chairing Dunlop Builders. I live in Wānaka with Jo Shearer and our two daughters who attend MAC."

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John Wellington

"My principal place of residence is in the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board area. I am also standing for Council - Wänaka-Upper Clutha Ward.

I have lived with my partner Julie Jones in Wanaka for 24 years and our daughter attends
MAC.

I advocated for the retention of the Community Board and wish to ensure that Council honour its commitment to empower and resource it to become an effective community voice.

As many senior Council staff are based in Queenstown, naturally they are more familiar with Queenstown community issues. The WCB must be consulted early on Wānaka issues when Council develops projects and policy, and needs to be proactive in bringing Wānaka issues and solutions to Council.

I am founding member of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust and its treasurer and fundraiser for 16 years. I have a keen interest in both recreational and active transport issues and wish to see the Wānaka Masterplan progressed.

I have a background in financial and property management and am currently a tourism business owner/operator."

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