What do you know about the candidates contesting the 2016 mayoral seats in the wider Otago and Southland region? In the last of our Q&A series with regional mayoral candidates, Tracey Roxburgh and Tim Miller put the questions to the five men who want to be mayor of Queenstown Lakes district.
Lyal Cocks was born and raised in Omarama and has lived in Wanaka since 1998. Deputy mayor since 2010 and councillor since 2007, Mr Cocks could become the first Wanaka resident elected as mayor of the Queenstown Lakes district.
Why are you standing for mayor?
I believe in our communities, the people who make this district the dynamic and vital place we call home. While we are enjoying a buoyant period of growth, the district’s future needs to be firmly guided with a collaborative sense of purpose to ensure it develops to its best potential for all of us, now and for future generations. I have the corporate knowledge and proven experience to provide the leadership to keep the district’s momentum on track.
Will you be a full-time mayor and why?
This district deserves nothing less than a 100% commitment from its mayor.
Having served for the last six years as deputy mayor, I know the level of commitment required.
It’s not just a 40-hour week, It’s seven days a week; it’s late night phone calls; it’s demanding and challenging; and does not allow for other business interests creating a conflict or a distraction from the demands of the job.
Why would I commit to that?
The satisfaction of making a difference and shaping the future is worth it.
What position do you think the district is in?
Our district, as one of the most iconic areas in the world, is a highly attractive place to live in and visit.
One could say it is the victim of its own success, as the resultant growth and development has had a significant impact, both negative and positive.
The challenge is to effectively manage the adverse impacts and ensure all the communities in our district reap the benefits.
Overall, the district is in a good state with potential for greater success.
What are three issues facing the incoming council, and why?
1. The most obvious issue is managing the impact of growth, including reducing traffic congestion and housing pressures.
This also means providing the infrastructure necessary to cater for the current demand and planning for future growth.
We need to find alternative forms of funding rather than rely on rates to fund the demand for visitor-related infrastructure.
We need to develop economic diversity.
Working collaboratively with other organisations and groups will provide the solutions to address the impact of growth and provide the platform for economic diversity, and my goal is to enhance relevant relationships to make this happen.
2. Water. Although the management, allocation, quality, supply, reticulation and use of this vital resource is the responsibility of all levels of government and several other organisations, council has a key role to ensure our communities have appropriate access to safe water and the water resource is protected.
3. It is important not to overlook the smaller communities, integral to our district.
Ensuring all the district communities benefit from the success and growth, whether it’s improving basic infrastructure, providing community facilities and support or facilitating better communication systems.
What would be one thing you would like to have achieved by the end of your term, and why?
Changes that enable the improved movement of people and freight in and around Queenstown, Wanaka and throughout the district.
There will be minimal congestion on the roads, public transport will be cheap and attractive and cycling will be strongly encouraged with appropriate facilities.
Park n Ride will be operating in Queenstown and ferry services will be the norm.
We will have new parking areas on the edges of Queenstown and Wanaka.
Why?
Because our economy and our communities rely on a fully functional transport system.
Lyal Cocks
Age: 60.
Occupation: Politician.
Marital status: Married.
Council experience: Nine years on council and six years as deputy mayor.
Describe yourself in three words: Integrity, experienced, leader.
