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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Michael Laws

Vision Otago

Why I'm standing

To make Otago the most liveable region in New Zealand (although that's probably true already).

About me

Experience as MP, mayor, health board member and regional councillor. Passionate believer in council openness and transparency. Strong community advocate.

My priorities

  1. Reduce regional rates; see visionotago.nz for details.
  2. Ensure clean water and implement an effective Otago Lakes Plan.
  3. Establish an effective pest plan that measures success or failure and intervenes where required.

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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Local council

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Regional council

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Local board

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