Samuel ‘Q’ Belk,
Arrowtown-Kawarau ward
1. I would only support a ‘rates cap’ of 0% increase if the majority of ratepayers, fully informed, support it through a voter referendum. A rates cap is an extreme measure, in fact, with inflation and growth a rates cap actually reduces council expenditure. We all want lower rates, but what are we willing to give up? I would possibly independently support a rates cap that is graduated, say, with the rate of inflation, using a base year.
2. I am very sceptical of the regional deal the mayor is so in favour of. Most importantly, it is being pushed by central government to "unlock growth". We, in the Lakes region, do not have a problem with lack of growth; we might have a problem with too much growth. The Lakes region needs roading and bridges, we have a huge sewage failure, we need a hospital. How does that resemble Cromwell, Alexandra, Central Otago? What connects the Lakes region to Cromwell and the rest of Otago except two roads, one through a gorge? Our financing needs going forward are, as well, very different and I believe we should act as a unique entity and a global destination.
3. Roading and bridges (shift our focus from house-building and consenting to infrastructure), sewage (it can/should be piped to the airport area for underground wells/disposal); affordable housing (expand the work of the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust with increasing the allocation to the trust from recent development proposals as high as 50%); governance (good governance relies on collaboration, respect and leadership).
4. We know that if a sufficient number of households (6000 minimum) install rooftop solar in the next 2-4 years the installation of new lines can be delayed. The key is 1) rooftop solar and 2) storage. The key to that is access to suitable financing, which council can endorse and facilitate.
Heath Copland, 45
1. I do support a rates cap, however I need to qualify my response as capping rates may have an adverse effect on the provision of core services, especially where the costs imposed on the QLDC to deliver these services are outside our control. I feel we need to do much better by delivering value for money on behalf of our ratepayers, and limiting future rates increases as much as possible.
2. I am supportive of the regional deal in principle, additional funding streams from central government and private investment will be welcomed in our district to try to relieve some of the financial burden on ratepayers. The deal is in its infancy, so the details are not yet clear, but I do think the five priorities identified are a good start and desperately needed.
3. My three most important priorities if elected are ensuring value for money for our ratepayers (ask the right questions and stop the bleeding); having a debt repayment plan in the long-term plan to reduce debt from the current critical levels; continue to keep Arrowtown’s best interests at heart and protect the things that make Arrowtown so special to ensure it continues to contribute to the district financially and aesthetically.
4. I am supportive of electrification, however, it is challenging given our geographical isolation. I would like to see incentives for private investment for generation (solar panels), and innovation locally for electrical generation to reduce the complete reliance on external providers. It must be financially viable so there needs to be real incentive to invest by the public and industry alike.
Lisa Guy*, 59
Arrowtown-Kawarau ward
1. A simple cap sounds attractive, but the reality is more complex. Over 80% of QLDC’s 2024-’25 budget went to mandatory services like roads and Three Waters. Central government are indicating any imposed cap would not be applicable to mandatory expenditure, so without addressing these costs, councils would be forced to cut essential infrastructure, pushing today’s burden on to our children. While I acknowledge that most people support capping, the real solution is smarter funding tools — not limits that undercut future resilience.
2. Yes, I fully support the regional deal. It’s a hard worked for opportunity to secure sustainable funding and a smarter partnership with central government. Housing, infrastructure, transport — our issues are critical. I’d push harder for community involvement, so residents understand the opportunities and trade-offs, we must make this place better, not just bigger, in a deal that works for this district. It’s about shaping outcomes that reflect our unique identity while delivering infrastructure that keeps pace with what we need.
3. Keeping up with growth – sort out the infrastructure we need (water, wastewater, transport and housing planned properly) so our district isn’t left playing catch-up; straight talk, not theatre — a progressive council working well with our community, clear decisions, honest conversations, putting this place and the people in it before political optics; putting community first — a way of life locals can afford, protecting what makes this place special, and investing in spaces that keep us connected.
4. Electrify everything, decentralise supply, and enable new ways to power our district efficiently. Energy is the elephant in the room for real change. I’m hopeful the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme will offer low-cost loans for solar. Queenstown’s vulnerability — sitting on a spur line outside the National Grid — makes costs to strengthen infrastructure confronting. There must be a better way. It’s heartening to see progress through the regional deal and private partners working with government on strategy.
Melissa White*, 47
Arrowtown-Kawarau ward
1. While the idea of a rates cap can sound appealing, in practice there are many unintended consequences. Rates caps have failed elsewhere, where they limited councils’ ability to deliver essential services and created long-term funding gaps. For that reason, I do not support a rates cap. What I do support is ensuring every dollar is maximised, spending is directed to community priorities, and rates remain fair, transparent, and focused on real value for residents.
2. Yes, I’m generally supportive of the regional deal, but as we don’t yet know its full scope, we must proceed carefully with clear, community-focused priorities. For me, these include securing alternative funding (such as a bed tax and/or IVL), ensuring growth pays for growth, and using stronger levers like limiting short-term letting in residential areas. The deal must ultimately balance our community’s needs, deliver sustainably funded infrastructure, and protect the unique character of our district for the long term.
3. My top priorities are clear. First, to strengthen representation so local voices genuinely shape decisions that affect our daily lives. Second, to carefully manage growth by ensuring we provide the housing and infrastructure our communities need while protecting the environment and character of our district. Third, to improve transparency and accountability so council decisions are open, accessible, and easy for people to engage with. These priorities build trust, safeguard what we value, and ensure decisions reflect our communities.
4. I strongly support electrification and want to see barriers actively reduced. Council can also invest in charging infrastructure, advocate for national financial incentives, and partner with industry to drive innovation. These steps will lower costs, accelerate uptake, and futureproof our communities while helping us transition to a low-emissions future. One idea I’d like to progress is requiring all new builds to be designed with future solar conversion in mind, ensuring roof slopes and angles are optimised from the start.
Gavin Bartlett*, 53
Queenstown-Whakatipu ward
1. I don’t support a mandatory rates cap for local councils. As an example, annual surveys consistently show a high level of satisfaction with customer usage of council services (pools, libraries, recreation centres etc). Funding sources for the provision of these services is mainly covered by user fees and charges, but subsidised by rates in accordance with the Revenue & Financing Policy. An enforced cap on rates would likely lead to either services being reduced, fees increasing or a combination of both.
2. I am supportive of the proposed regional deal and the agreed priorities. The various packages were agreed by the individual councils, with prioritisation agreed by the joint committee. We continue to experience high growth in the district. The top two priorities aim to capture value from that growth andprovide means to transform transportation within our communities and district. The third priority of electrifying the sub-region is close behind but is becoming more urgent as time goes on.
3. Provide the necessary infrastructure to cope with the growth we are experiencing: Careful oversight of the set-up of a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation, so that the organisation meets the needs of the district and is accountable to council and ratepayers; bus prioritisation and continuing improvement of our existing roading network, including Ladies Mile and Southern Corridor, and a new Shotover bridge at Arthurs Point; expansion of our active travel network, especially the A7 Jack’s Point to Frankton cycle route.
4. Everyday life is becoming more dependent on the supply of electricity to our homes and workplaces, but the distribution to our district will struggle to keep up with demand without further investment. The electricity distributors have recently consulted on options to improve this situation. I also believe we will need to take more advantage of solar generation and battery storage for our homes. QLDC is currently working towards a ratepayer assistance scheme which will help homeowners to finance such installations.
Stephen Brent, 52
Queenstown-Whakatipu ward
1. Whilst a rates cap is an admirable goal, I have real concerns about the impact that it might have on a council’s ability to provide for our future needs. Our underinvestment in infrastructure is catching up on us and significant work is needed to cater for the needs of this district. A rates cap may mean that we struggle to fund essential upgrades and maintenance.
2. I am supportive of the regional deal as it stands in terms of priorities. I believe that bespoke settings to ensure that growth pays for growth are essential for our district. We will always have strong demand for this area from both tourists and people wanting to live here, so we need to ensure that we get ahead of this demand and plan accordingly. I am also of the view that we need to look into local solutions for these issues and not always rely on central government for assistance.
3. If elected, my three top priorities are (1) appointing a great new chief executive; (2) establishing the new Three Waters CCO with a capable set of directors and a clear set of expectations/rules; (3) concluding the regional deal on the best possible set of terms.
4. I am a big fan of solar panels and wonder whether they should be made compulsory for all new houses unless it could be demonstrated that the site is not suitable due to shading.
Aaron Cowie
Queenstown-Whakatipu ward
1. Yes I do, as this focuses the council’s mind on the real priorities and prevents some of the huge wasted spend that we have seen in recent times. It will focus us on looking for alternative income streams such as a tourist congestion charge. This will not mean a loss of service, but better financial management.
2. The regional deal as it stands (in the public domain at least) is very high level and vague and has rules in place to ensure it remains a secret until it is signed. I am not a party to the detail and so at this stage I can only be concerned as to its full content. I hope that it is beneficial and does not attempt to make us sell Queenstown Airport Corporation.
3. Change the rules governing how the council works — these are known as standing orders and are currently designed to give the power to the CEO and not the elected council members; remove visitor cars from coming into Queenstown and charge visitors for the privilege of coming in into Queenstown, thus removing the need to build more roads to nowhere and wasting hundreds of millions; change the short-term visitor rules to have houses being either owner-occupied or in the long-term rental pool — this will help prevent sprawl.
4. I would like to see large-scale solar farms that are directly connected with the local grid as this is more efficient than rooftop solar, where many of our houses are in shade during winter. I would like to see a mass rapid transport system that is run on electricity. This will remove half the cars.
Craig ‘Ferg’ Ferguson**, 66
Queenstown-Whakatipu ward
1. Not a strong supporter due to being a growth council. We must look at other ways to lighten the load. The Events Centre is an example. Built in 1997, it finally gets a long overdue first extension for growth, booted down the road over the years, signed off 2025. Twenty-eight years later. What else would suffer?
2. I feel regional deals is a big step forward. An opportunity to progress or face the challenges of the district with potential solutions and assistance from the government. So much is not known about regional deals. Outside of the negotiating committee, councillors need to be engaged and across it making sure information is flowing back.
3. Number one, when the community elects the new council only then will that group of elected members be able to plot their way forward. Where do those who want change be able to influence then? This must be done in a collaborative, collective and respectful way along with community discussions. It is the top priority for me. Number two, the mis-match between rapid growth and lack of infrastructure. Our physical topography and its inability to accommodate. Continue to understand and learn more about our environmental and climate issues. Number three, if re-elected, take our learnings from a tough term. Councillors have breathed it and lived through it. It’s an invaluable experience ahead of the next three years.
4. There’s no denying the massive investment needed. We’ve got to build on the good work done and support those who are making strides.
Jon Mitchell, 61
Queenstown-Whakatipu ward
1. I am in favour of a cap on residential rates and an increase in rates differentials for short-term visitor accommodation, introduction of a visitor levy/bed tax, and much more targeted use of development contributions on new developments. An overall rates cap is almost redundant at present, because QLDC is about to hand its Three Waters assets, services, and debt to a council-control organisation, resulting in a substantial rates reductions for everyone in two or three years.
2. Although I am very supportive of working with our neighbours and central government to help solve the major issues our communities face, I am not comfortable with the secrecy being applied to the process, the undue influence of commercial interests, and the clear conflicts of interest between the current mayor and other regional deal players. I would push for a far more transparent process, ensuring that any "value capture" benefits our communities and not commercial interests.
3. Working with colleagues to build a more open trusting culture around the council table, encouraging transparency, building trust with our communities; selecting a new chief executive who can lead the change needed as the water entity is separated, and the organisation’s shape, size and culture are made fit for purpose; balance the books through smarter rates, more comprehensive development contributions, trimmed operational costs, better value procurement, maximum dividends from Queenstown Airport, and managed growth.
4. The next council should take much more of a leadership role in facilitating local distributed solar generation and storage in our communities, encourage the construction of affordable dual feeds into the district to build capacity and resilience. Actively encouraging the widespread adoption of rooftop solar and batteries in as many residential, commercial, and institutional settings as possible. All council buildings, including the airport and its carparks, should be generation and storage sites, building resilience and saving ratepayers’ dollars.
Rene Smith, 43
Queenstown-Whakatipu ward
1. If ratepayers want a rates cap then yes, I support it. It is a continual balancing act for the council, but if ratepayers feel they are contributing too much, or it is not being put to good use, then the issue needs to be addressed.
2. As it currently stands, I am cautious of the regional deal. It may offer opportunities for growth, but at what cost? There is already a huge strain on infrastructure and the environment.
3. Rebuilding trust towards local government with improved communication and transparency. Prioritising infrastructure and essential services over unrestrained growth. Supporting local businesses that reinvest back into our economy.
4. Electrification is a great way to lower carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. We can raise awareness through education, stay open to innovation, and overcome initial costs such as infrastructure upgrades by factoring the benefits into long term strategic planning.
Matt Wong*, 48
Queenstown-Whakatipu ward
1. Not with the way things work now. Globally everything costs more, and governments have dumped big infrastructure costs on councils while withholding new funding levers. Capping rates sounds good but it’s not a plan. Councils mainly deliver roads and water infrastructure, and those costs run far hotter than average household goods and services at 2.7% CPI. Without better funding tools from government, rate caps make things worse, fast-tracking collapse of infrastructure and services this district can’t afford to lose.
2. Absolutely. As a councillor, I helped shape the regional deal priorities and it’s our best shot at tackling growth, fixing funding, and making our district more resilient. It means long-term co-designed infrastructure investment and user pays funding tools to shift burden off ratepayers. Central government offered to negotiate solutions and they’re listening. Only 3 of 18 regions got a deal, so this is a big win. It’s not a blank cheque, but if it stacks up, it’s a game changer.
3. Appoint a future-focused, high performance, community driven CEO/council boss early next year; deliver the Central government-requested new water service model by 2027; deliver the Otago Central Lakes Regional Deal. We inherited debt, stretched infrastructure, and no plan for growth, then secured a government-backed opportunity. This deal is the best shot we’ve had to lock in funding and real solutions to get our district moving. It’s top priority and too inter-generationally important for petty politics.
4. Switching to clean electricity isn’t just about climate change, it’s about affordable, reliable, resilient power. The barriers are high upfront costs, profit-driven energy sector, and limited access for low-income households. The solutions are cheap finance so everyone can install solar and batteries, fair prices for selling back to the grid, government stepping back from electricity profits, and more community projects that prove it works. The technology is ready, what we need now is real policy reform of the energy system.
*Incumbent
**Incumbent, previously in Arrowtown-Kawarau ward
