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). four councillors will be elected from the Dunstan 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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Ben Farrell
Why I'm standing
Our environment underpins economic prosperity, and I'm committed to restoring our biodiversity and freshwater, improving transport, and tackling resource management and strategic planning issues at the council table. I champion strong local governance, property rights, and sustainable growth. I'll be a firm voice for the regional deal. I see my role as helping you and all of us shape a prosperous, resilient future for this region – for us and our children after us.
About me
I am well qualified to do so. Based in Queenstown with strong family ties to Otago and decades of experience in policy, planning and development, I bring expertise, leadership and governance qualities. I hold postgraduate degrees in management and environmental policy and planning from Lincoln University. I am a full member of the NZ Planning Institute, the current president of the NZ Resource Management Law Association, and an accredited RMA commissioner.
My priorities
- Support measures that protect and restore freshwater and indigenous biodiversity values.
- Support a regional deal for Otago Central Lakes.
- Promote sustainable growth.
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.
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