NZ Local Elections 2025

Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Wānaka-Upper Clutha 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 Wānaka-Upper Clutha 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

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Quentin Smith

Quentin Smith

Thorsk G Westphal

Thorsk G Westphal

Cody Tucker

Cody Tucker

Craig Gasson

Craig Gasson

Nicola King

Nicola King

Barry Bruce

Barry Bruce

Lyal Cocks

Lyal Cocks

Yeverley McCarthy

Yeverley McCarthy

Niki Gladding

Niki Gladding

Independent

Niki Gladding

Independent

| QLDC Councillor

Niki Gladding

Independent

| QLDC Councillor

Why I'm standing

I've had two terms in the role; I want to use what I've learned over the last six years to 'bake' stronger governance into Queenstown Lakes District Council's structures, policies, and processes so that the community ultimately holds more power than the management team.

About me

My approach is to deliver strong, sensible, proactive governance. I also bring an "I work for the community not council" approach to the job. And finally, I believe we have an obligation to prioritise water, soil, biodiversity, and climate considerations over just about everything else. We will have nothing if natural systems collapse. So I also bring that perspective to the table.

My priorities
  1. Build a council that the community is proud of.
  2. Retain control of Three Waters infrastructure and services to keep costs down and protect waterways.
  3. Reduce rate increases and ensure revenue gathering is equitable.
Current role

QLDC Councillor

Residence

Wanaka

Age

50

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I've had two terms in the role; I want to use what I've learned over the last six years to 'bake' stronger governance into Queenstown Lakes District Council's structures, policies, and processes so that the community ultimately holds more power than the management team.

About me

My approach is to deliver strong, sensible, proactive governance. I also bring an "I work for the community not council" approach to the job. And finally, I believe we have an obligation to prioritise water, soil, biodiversity, and climate considerations over just about everything else. We will have nothing if natural systems collapse. So I also bring that perspective to the table.

My priorities
  1. Build a council that the community is proud of.
  2. Retain control of Three Waters infrastructure and services to keep costs down and protect waterways.
  3. Reduce rate increases and ensure revenue gathering is equitable.
Current role

QLDC Councillor

Residence

Wanaka

Age

50

Connect via

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