Council in control of Queenstown Airport Corporation

Would-be mayors have their say... on why you should vote for them

by Paul Taylor

Who should be Queenstown Lakes’ next mayor? It’s the fi nal week of campaigning in the local government elections, with the deadline for votes at noon, this Saturday, October 8. The six candidates for mayor have given their views on the biggest issues facing the district, including transport, rates and the council’s ambitious 10-year plan, over the past fi ve weeks in Lakes Weekly Bulletin. They’re all available to read on the Queenstown App This week, we’ve asked the big one: Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

Daniel Shand Age: 39 Occupation: Carpenter

It would be best if people didn’t have to elect a representative if they could represent themselves to their council, but this is not an option, the public have to choose a representative. They should vote for me because I promise to listen more to the public if elected, and involve them more in the decisionmaking process of council. I have noticed generally, once elected politicians don’t normally keep their promises, in fact, they normally end up doing the complete opposite. But I’d like to try out something different if elected. That’s why I’m running, I’d like to do the things I say I’m going to do. Imagine if someone in politics did that even one time? Amazing. For more information go to ‘’Daniel Shand for QLDC’’ Facebook.

Alistair Angus Age: over 64 Occupation: Retired

I am committed to use every method available to stop the three waters “hostile takeover”. Starting with a vote on re-joining the “coalition of councils” opposed to three waters. I will also be calling for feedback and ideas on how to retain our biggest asset. Rebuild trust between council and the public. To do this we must have a swift and unbiased investigation into the last six years, possibly more. Has it been all above board with people simply ignorant of the rules or have offences been committed? Does “A steep learning curve” as stated by one councillor mean they will never do it again, or they’ve learnt how not to get caught again? Transparency, starting with the Wānaka airport lease.

Olivia Wensley Age: 37 Occupation: CEO of Startup Queenstown Lakes Trust

Our community needs a leader with a fi rm action plan, and the skills and track record to get things done. I have set out on my website everything I will achieve in the fi rst 100 days if I’m lucky enough to be Mayor. My key promises are: • Rebuild trust and confi dence in the Council, with greater transparency. • Address the housing crisis and re-form the Mayoral Housing

Taskforce. • Stop Project Manawa (new council building), a $50m waste. • Diversify our economy and attract high value industries and jobs to our region. • Act against Three Waters reforms. • Prevent expansion of the Wanaka airport and Queenstown noise boundary. • Stop the proposal of 16 sets of traffi c lights down Frankton

Road / Frankton / Ladies Mile. • LISTEN to all communities. We need someone who is collaborative and values the views of everyone. My full 100-day plan can be viewed at www.voteforolivia. com/100-day-plan

Glyn Lewers Age: 44 Occupation: Structural Engineer, Current QLDC Councillor, Board member of Destination Queenstown and Startup Queenstown Lakes

If elected mayor, I will waste no time hitting the ground running. I’ve spent the past 1000 days as a councillor, learning the inner workings of local government and the plans and policies that govern us. I’ve sat across all four committees and made decisions on many projects, including complex infrastructure projects that will benefi t the district into the future. Leading an agile council will be critical due to the tsunami of legislative reform coming our way from Central Government. And let’s not forget our district’s Spatial Plan, the draft Destination Management Strategy, and the Diversifi cation Strategy, currently being developed, which sets the basis of how we will manage growth. I will listen to the newly elected offi cials and fi nd out their aspirations and interests for the communities they represent. I will facilitate discussions and work fast to build a strong culture refl ected across QLDC and outwards to our communities.