And they’re off.
After a slow start, two nominations had been received by Friday for the Central Otago District Council vacancy.
The council has been one member down since October’s election when Dave McKenzie stepped down days after being elected in the Vincent ward, blaming an online campaign against him.
Closest-polling candidate at the election Louise van der Voort and business owner Nat Jamieson have both been nominated to fill the Vincent ward seat.
Ms van der Voort worked for the council for 34 years, finishing earlier this year, and served for 20 years on the board of Taituarā — a network of local government professionals.
Mr Jamieson’s nomination says he is a business owner who moved to Central Otago from Southland.
Nominations opened on November 24 and candidates have until today to complete and file the official nomination form along with their deposit of $200.
Mr McKenzie was the target of an online campaign alleging financial impropriety in 2018 while he was working as a contractor to the council.
After initially saying he would not resign, Mr McKenzie did so on October 14, saying online attacks had become "too higher [sic] price to pay".
He said he had made mistakes in 2018 and repaid the council the $1000 at the time but maintained fault lay on both sides.
At the time, Mayor Tamah Alley said a by-election was necessary, despite the cost.
Voting papers will be mailed on January 30 and voting will close on March 3.
