The Otago Daily Times is profiling mayoral candidates in Otago's heartland. Today, Christina McDonald talks to Vanessa van Uden, standing in Queenstown Lakes.
Why are you standing for mayor?
''We have started the job of making this council an efficient, effective and well-governed organisation. I want to finish the job. Great steps have been taken in the last three years and we need to continue to focus on finding ways to make it easier and more efficient to work with council. I have the experience to lead a council that wants to deliver better outcomes to the community it serves.''
Will you be a hands-on mayor and why?
''I have been for the last three years and I intend to continue in the same way. This is not a 9-to-5 job and it is important to recognise there are commitments all over our district. I have travelled the whole district many times and I think it is important that the mayor is able and willing to do that. I have found it is also important to be involved on a daily basis as your understanding and knowledge about what is going on.''
What position do you think the district is in?
''The Queenstown Lakes is a wonderful place to live and we are in good heart. Results from the recent ratepayer survey showed that residents feel a great sense of pride in the district and that is something we all want to ensure continues. When I open conferences here, I always talk about the buzz you feel around the Queenstown Lakes and that is from the people who live here, who chose to be here and are happy to be living in a wonderful natural environment. Sure, we have some challenges but we are can do people and I think that is reflected in the prevailing attitude of let's get on with it.''
What are three issues facing the incoming council?
''1) Ensuring the changes made in the organisation review are settled in and keeping their eye on achieving the ultimate outcome - a better council serving the Queenstown Lakes community.
''2) Making the district plan reflect a balanced approach to our future, protecting our valuable environment and enabling us to keep living here, growing and getting out of the never-ending Environment Court cycle.
''3) Getting all of our communities to work together to deliver better outcomes for all.''
What would be one thing you would like to have achieved by the end of your term and why?
''To have brought both sides of the Crown Range closer together. I would like to see us working together to grow and enjoy living here rather than sniping at who has what and who gets more. ''Undoubtedly, there are some challenges associated with this but if everyone starts of with an attitude of `let's make it happen' rather than patch protection, we can achieve it.''
Do you think Wanaka people are adequately catered for by the Queenstown Lakes District Council and why?''
Absolutely. There is no inequity between decisions made for Queenstown and decisions made for Wanaka. We are both distinct communities with different needs and that is recognised around the council table.
''In the end, decisions are made based on need, rather than want, as you do in all aspects of life. The council does not have a magic money tree and we are making decisions on what to do with other people's money [which they have no choice about paying to us] and we need to do that responsibly.''
Is affordable housing for Queenstown Lakes an issue for the council?
''Affordable housing is an issue for everyone in the Queenstown Lakes not just council. be it the young families that are trying to put roots down here or the business wanting to employ skilled staff who are able to stay here long term.
''Council has a role to play and we continue to do that through support of the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust, implementation of changes to the district plan to recognise the issue and keeping a tight lid on rates. Developers also have a part to play in releasing the available zoned land to the market.''
