Candidates confirmed: Local election race begins for The Highest Vote

Local election nominations for Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) closed today at noon and every seat in the district will be contested.

There are 16 roles available, including the position of Mayor, 11 Councillor positions, and four Community Board Members.

• The mayoralty race has attracted six candidates. 

• There are five candidates for the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward, which has three seats. 

• There are seven candidates for the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward, which has four seats. 

• There are nine candidates for the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward, which has four seats. 

• There are six candidates for the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board, which has four seats.

QLDC’s CEO Mike Theelen said it’s great to see a range of new and returning faces put their hand up to represent their community. 

“We have a great mix of experienced Councillors seeking re-election this term and fresh faces bringing new perspectives. That level of interest and engagement is good news for our community and local democracy.” 

The focus now moves to encouraging the community to get to know their candidates and then get out and vote for who they feel will best represent them as elected members. Candidate profiles can be viewed on QLDC’s website.  

A person can vote in the elections if they are: 

• 18 years or older AND

• a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident AND

• have lived in Aotearoa New Zealand for one year or more continuously at some point. 

Voting papers will be delivered to all enrolled voters between Tuesday 9 September and Monday 22 September, with voting open through to midday on Saturday 11 October.  

Special votes are available to people who are not enrolled but qualify to vote, for people who did not receive voting papers in the mail, or whose papers have been spoilt or damaged, and for those whose name appears on the unpublished electoral roll. A person can make a special vote by heading into the QLDC Wānaka office at 47 Ardmore Street, or the Queenstown office at 10 Gorge Road during the voting periods 

In a unique initiative to make voting more engaging, RealNZ is helping to elevate democracy by hosting ballot boxes at their two ski fields. Voters will be able to cast their votes at Cardrona Alpine Resort’s ticketing office (1,670 metres) and Treble Cone’s ticketing area (1,260 metres).  

Additionally, a one-day-only ballot box will be available at the Crown Range lookout on Friday 10 October, offering locals an opportunity to vote at one of the highest and most scenic elevation points in Aotearoa. For those preferring more traditional options, voting can also be completed by post or by visiting any of the designated ballot boxes located throughout the district. 

ENDS | KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri

To see a full list of candidates, visit www.qldc.govt.nz/2025-nominations/  

Candidates for the position of Mayor (1 seat):

• ANGUS, Al

• GLOVER, John

• KIDDLE, Nik (Independent)

• LEWERS, Glyn

• REWI, Darren

• SHAND, Daniel (Independent (Direct Democracy)

Candidates for the Arrowtown-Kawarau Ward (3 seats):

• BELK, Q (Samuel)

• COPLAND, Heath

• GUY, Lisa

• MANNING, Tim

• WHITE, Melissa

Candidates for the Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward (4 seats):

• BARTLETT, Gavin

• BRENT, Stephen

• COWIE, Aaron (Independent)

• FERGUSON, Craig 'Ferg'

• MITCHELL, Jon (Independent)

• SMITH, Rene

• WONG, Matt (Independent)

Candidates for the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward (4 seats):

• BRUCE, Barry

• COCKS, Lyal

• GASSON, Craig

• GLADDING, Niki (Independent)

• KING, Nicola

• MCCARTHY, Yeverley

• SMITH, Quentin

• TUCKER, Cody

• WESTPHAL, Dr. Thorsk G

Candidates for the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board (4 seats):

• BACHE, John (Independent)

• DEDO, Kathy

• HADFIELD, Chris

• JOLL, Linda

• TELFER, Simon

• WELLINGTON, John