A taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll of Queenstown Lakes voters suggests the district’s mayoral race is wide open.
The poll of 500 residents found incumbent Glyn Lewers had the greatest level of support at 11%, but 71% of voters remained undecided.
Kaumātua Darren Rewi was on 6%, Kinloch Lodge co-owner John Glover on 4%, Wānaka builder Daniel Shand and former accommodation business owner Nik Kiddle were on 2% each and retired Kinloch resident Al Angus on 1%.
On broader sentiment, only 28% of residents said the district was heading in the right direction, while 59% said it was heading in the wrong direction and 58% rated the council’s performance as below average.
When asked about local issues, 77% of residents said they supported a cap on rates increases, while 9% were opposed and 13% unsure.
The Taxpayers’ Union is a privately funded lobby group that campaigns for lower taxes, less government spending and greater transparency in how public money is used.
Two more mayoral debates are planned: one in Wānaka next Tuesday, hosted by the Wānaka Business Chamber of Commerce, and another in Arrowtown on September 22, hosted by the Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association and Arrowtown Village Association. — Allied Media
