Cr contesting top job only in local elections

Waitaki deputy mayor Gary Kircher is pinning his hopes on winning the mayoralty race in October's local body elections after serving three three-year terms as a Waitaki district councillor.

Mr Kircher's nomination is the only one received since nominations opened last Friday. Nominations close at noon on August 20.

Incumbent Alex Familton and two others have previously indicated they will stand for the mayoralty.

Mr Kircher has been an Oamaru ward councillor since 2001.

However, he has only put himself forward for the position of mayor this time. No nomination has been received for his re-election as a councillor.

Mr Kircher announced last month that he would contest the mayoralty, a decision spurred by approaches from people urging him to stand, he said.

Two other Oamaru men - former candidate Bruce Cawley and Oamaru businessman Ralph Burrell - have both indicated they will seek the mayoralty.