Otago Regional Council

The Otago Regional Council makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of 12 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). five councillors will be elected from the Dunedin  constituency. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Otago Regional Council election.

Otago Regional Council candidates

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Chanel Gardner

Why I'm standing

I am running because I believe Otago deserves a Regional Council that focuses on its core job and delivers real outcomes. I've seen how decisions made at this level affect families, businesses, and communities, and I want to bring accountability, common sense, and fairness to the table.

About me

I bring experience from business, governance, and policy, along with a strong connection to Otago's communities. I am committed to fairness, accountability, and making sure council decisions are practical and easy for people to understand. I will represent all voices and keep the council focused on its core responsibilities.

My priorities

  1. Protect Otago's environment through practical, outcome-focused management of land, water and coast.
  2. Keep rates under control by focusing council spending on core responsibilities.
  3. Fix public transport so buses are reliable and affordable.

Get across the policies, candidates and parties

Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2025 local elections. Compare the candidates and policies to see where you stand.

Mayor

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Regional council

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Local board

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