There had been a lean number of candidates and there was a genuine concern not enough people would come forward.
But a last-minute rush of candidates led to sufficient nominations to require an election for the mayoralty, the Gore ward, district-wide ward and the Mataura Community Board.
Incumbent Gore mayor Tracy Hicks is seeking re-election for his seventh term as mayor. Also running for the mayoralty is first-time candidate Ben Bell. Mr Bell is new to the district and is looking to shake things up.
In the Gore ward there are nine nominations for the five seats. Four of those are sitting councillors: Glenys Dickson, Nick Grant, Bret Highsted and Bronwyn Reid.
There has been strong interest in the Mataura Community Board with 10 people contesting the five seats. Steve Boko Dixon is the only encumbent board member seeking re-election.
The Mataura Licensing Trust will have a contest in the Gore ward with four people going for three positions, while two people are contesting the Mataura ward which requires a single representative.
Only three people have sought the six positions in Gore & Districts Health Inc.
Staff Reporter
