Simon Hayes served two consecutive terms on the Queenstown Lakes District Council - including one as deputy mayor - before pulling out of local body politics in 2001.
Nine years later, he has decided to dip his toes back into the water in the hope of improving council operations and the outcomes of the "tremendous" community in which he lives.
"While I've got some gripes with the past, it's about the future," he said.
Why are you standing for mayor?
The previous council experience has left me with a level of frustration with the performance of the present council and a belief that I can contribute to gain a better result.
Also, I've been encouraged to stand for the mayoralty by a wide range of people in different places who believe I can deliver the right sort of outcomes.
What do you think your strengths would be as mayor?
My community involvement. Having lived here for the past 25 years, I have been involved in a wide range of groups and fundraising activities.
I established and continue to run the Heads Up charity, which has been an amazing experience, have been president of the Lions, parish council chairman, and Queenstown Primary School board of trustees chairman, and am chairman of both Abbeyfield House and the Dalefield Water Supply Scheme.
I have also been involved in the wider area, having worked on the Wanaka Airport committee for three years, helping grow the asset to what it is today.
Why do you think people should vote for you?
I think people vote on the basis of past experience. They will look at both my past council experience and wider community involvement.
If elected as mayor, what are your goals for the next three years?
To lead a team of councillors who can enunciate a vision of what it is we are trying to achieve. It is not just about the mayor - the team is really important.
To look for improved efficiencies and stronger representation to central government for different funding options and development of funding options, rather than just relying on ratepayers. And to provide direction to the airport directors as to what the expectations of the council are with regard to our shareholding at the airport.
Do you have a budget for your campaign funding?
Yes, about $1000. Some of it's recycled from previous campaigns. If you have to raise your awareness and profile now, you would question what you have been doing for the past 20 years.
Is it self-funded?
Yes, but if someone thinks I need to raise my profile, they can have my bank account number.
As an outsider, what are some of the positive things the council has done?
There are lots of brilliant things going on in this community, many of which have had council support. A wonderful job has been done by the Wakatipu Trail Trust with the development of tracks and trails in the area. The growth of events - for a small town we box well above our weight.
Education tourism is also really important with people learning everything from second languages to snowboard instructing and cooking, all of which fit well with the tourist town.
And the not so good?
I think the level of service is not as good as it was, particularly the response to requests by council contracting services. Improving these services is a primary driver we should be looking to do.
Then there is the airport debacle. Councillors have had to listen to, but not necessarily accept, legal advice. I think they have been gagged and it's unfortunate, but court action does limit what people can say and how.
Why are you only standing for mayor and not for council?
When I announced my candidacy I was standing for both, but it is important to compete on the same basis with the other candidates.
If you are not elected, will you regret that decision?
No. I don't have many regrets about anything. You make your decision and you live with the consequences. I have lots of other community involvement which will allow me to continue to contribute to the area.
• The postal voting period is September 17 to October 9 (closing, noon).
SIMON HAYES
- Age: 58
- Occupation: Real estate agent.
- Marital status: Married to Ngaire, with three adult children, Thomas, Mark and Sarah.
- Council experience: Two terms as councillor from 1995 to 2001; three years as deputy mayor; served as chairman of the community services and contracting auditing committees.
- Describe yourself in three words: "Accountable, inclusive, decisive".
