Vanessa van Uden
Vanessa van Uden has been elected the first female mayor
of the Queenstown Lakes district, with 5087 votes, more than
twice as many as nearest rival Simon Hayes, with 2315 votes,
and fellow challenger Michael Scott, with 943 votes.
Voting closed at noon today and the results were announced at
4.23pm.
Ms van Uden stood for mayor as an independent candidate on a
pledge to develop a council which delivered "cost effective
and efficient services'' for the growing community.
The one-term district councillor and six-year council
contract manager campaigned to improve core service
management so infrastructure and services are developed and
maintained while containing rates and debt.
Ms van Uden campaigned to simplify processes so costs are not
added to the resource management act and other processes.
She also vowed to reduce spending on consultants, while
supporting people working in events, film and education
facilities, to bolster support for the district's major
economic drivers of tourism and property development.
The 43-year-old has an MBA, is married to Peter Laurenson and
has two daughters, Caitlin and Laura.
Her community work includes the Wakatipu High board of
trustees, Wakatipu Trails Trust, St John area committee and
the Branches Trust.
Previous mayor Clive Geddes did not seek re-election after
nine years in the top job.
For full reaction and analysis buy Monday's print Otago
Daily Times.
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