Deputy mayor Lyal Cocks has announced his intention to stand for the mayoralty of Queenstown Lakes District at the 2016 local body elections.
The Wanaka councillor wants to replace Mayor Vanessa van Uden, who does not intend to stand for a third term.
Mr Cocks (59) said he was standing ''because I believe I have the knowledge, experience and leadership ability to do the job well.
''I think it's really important for our community to have someone with experience - we're one of the most prosperous districts in the country and I'd like to see that continue.
''Obviously that comes with its own challenges in terms of social impact, affordable housing and such, but we're working on that and I'd like to continue that work.''
The married father-of-two, has been full-time deputy mayor since 2010 and was elected to the council in 2007.
The former Royal NZ Navy reservist previously owned and operated an accommodation lodge, restaurant and driving school.
Mr Cocks would be the district's first Wanaka-based mayor but said: ''It's not so much a matter of a Wanaka versus Queenstown thing - we're all one district.''
Glenorchy man Al Angus, beaten by van Uden in 2013, has already signalled his intention to stand. - Mountain Scene
