NZ Local Elections 2025

Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward
The Queenstown-Lakes District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 11 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). four councillors will be elected from the Queenstown-Whakatipu ward. 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 election.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Gavin Bartlett

Gavin Bartlett

Jon Mitchell

Jon Mitchell

Independent

Rene Smith

Rene Smith

Matt Wong

Matt Wong

Independent

Stephen Brent

Stephen Brent

Craig 'Ferg' Ferguson

Craig 'Ferg' Ferguson

Aaron Cowie

Aaron Cowie

Independent

Rene Smith

Rene Smith

Why I'm standing

I feel that the people of this region have lost trust in local government. I believe there needs to be better communication between those who make decisions and those who live with the consequences of them. I am deeply involved in the community and can better represent those who are not having their voice heard.

About me

I have the time, energy and passion to fulfil this role. I have run my own educational business for over 15 years. I have a commerce degree, majoring in economics. I am a member of many local sports clubs. I volunteer my time in the community. I am part of the Big Buddy programme. I attend planting days with the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and support local artists at our markets.

My priorities
  1. Rebuild trust between local government and the people of this region.
  2. Focus on getting infrastructure under control ahead of new large scale housing developments.
  3. Get everyone on the same page, seeing the big picture and creating a future to be proud of.
Before politics

Educator

Residence

Lower Shotover

Age

43

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I feel that the people of this region have lost trust in local government. I believe there needs to be better communication between those who make decisions and those who live with the consequences of them. I am deeply involved in the community and can better represent those who are not having their voice heard.

About me

I have the time, energy and passion to fulfil this role. I have run my own educational business for over 15 years. I have a commerce degree, majoring in economics. I am a member of many local sports clubs. I volunteer my time in the community. I am part of the Big Buddy programme. I attend planting days with the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust and support local artists at our markets.

My priorities
  1. Rebuild trust between local government and the people of this region.
  2. Focus on getting infrastructure under control ahead of new large scale housing developments.
  3. Get everyone on the same page, seeing the big picture and creating a future to be proud of.
Before politics

Educator

Residence

Lower Shotover

Age

43

Connect via

Mayor

Compare the mayoral candidates in your area

Explore

Local council

Compare the candidates for your city or district council

Explore

Regional council

Compare the candidates for your regional council

Explore

Local board

Compare the candidates for your local or community board

Explore