Two nominees were already known before yesterday's deadline - Scott Stevens, of Arrowtown, and Howard Scott, of Dunedin. The third is prominent council critic Basil Walker.
In December, Mayor Vanessa van Uden warned the bankrupt developer he faced legal action if he repeated ''defamatory comments''.
Electoral officer Jane Robertson confirmed yesterday that Mr Walker, who lives in Queenstown, was nominated by Mark Jerome Kramer and Branden Gary Gunst, both of Arrowtown.
Mr Walker produced a flier yesterday, which said he supported road-building and another retirement home for the area.
However, said he was against the planned $60 million council-backed convention centre and the council's recent roading and parking strategy.
Voting papers for the postal vote for the by-election would be mailed from April 9-14.
The last day voting papers could be received is May 1.
