Mayor of Queenstown-Lakes District
The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the district and lead the development of the council’s plans, policies and budget. The mayor appoints the deputy mayor, establishes committees for particular topics, and appoints chairs for those committees. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Queenstown-Lakes District Council mayoral election.
Mayor of Queenstown-Lakes District candidates
Explore the candidates in your area
Jon Mitchell
Why I'm standing
I have experienced Queenstown-Lakes becoming increasingly overly dependent on and affected by mass tourism over the past few decades, with little regard for the negative impacts on our communities and environment. Queenstown-Lakes District Council is facing serious crises: credibility with our communities, Covid recovery, council funding, government reforms, and transition from over-tourism. I am standing to lead managed growth and transition to sustainability. Putting communities and the environment at the centre of everything we do.
About me
I have over three decades of experience in collaborative private and public sector leadership in the district and beyond. Much of that in organisational cultural change, and risk and crisis management. I teach and practice open, collaborative, community-centred leadership for governments in New Zealand and around the Pacific. I was born in Queenstown Lakes. It is my home. I am committed to building teams of leaders across our communities, to enable a more sustainable future.
My priorities
- Restore community trust in QLDC's leadership, opening all workshops and decisions to the public.
- Support sustainable local and regional economic diversification that enhances community wellbeing.
- Switch from chasing growth to managing growth. Thriving within our social and environmental limits.
Get across the policies, candidates and parties
Mayor
Compare the mayoral candidates in your area
Local council
Compare the candidates for your city or district council
Regional council
Compare the candidates for your regional council
Local board
Compare the candidates for your local or community board