The contenders for Arrowtown's vacant ward seat promised to be strong voices on the Queenstown Lakes District Council when they appeared at a packed candidates meeting last night.
Vying to replace Lex Perkins as the township's sole representative on the council, the trio offered contrasting approaches to how they would tackle the role.
Addressing more than 60 people at the Community Rooms, Dunedin resident Howard Scott promised to consult residents issue by issue, Queenstown's Basil Walker pledged to be a council ''maverick'', while Arrowtown businessman Scott Stevens took the middle course.
Mr Scott said the one exception to his approach would be the council's proposed convention centre, which he would oppose unless he was ''specifically petitioned'' by the ward to support it.
Mr Walker promised a more proactive approach than the one taken by present councillors, who were presented by council staff with ''long, laborious, detailed bull...'' at meetings.
''They make a few funny quips, roll their eyes and pass it. We need someone in there who's a bit of a maverick.''
Mr Stevens said he had been considering succeeding Mr Perkins since before last year's council election.
The pair had discussed the ward's issues, he knew the personalities on the council and was confident of ''hitting the ground running''.
All candidates expressed their opposition to the convention centre, and were sceptical about a call from one audience member that the township needed more kerbing and footpaths.
Mr Stevens and Mr Walker were united in their opposition to affordable housing development in Arrowtown under the new special housing areas legislation.
Voting in the by-election closes at noon on May 1.
