Invercargill city councillors keen to stand again

Friday, 15 March 2019

None of Invercargill's 12 city councillors have ruled themselves out from standing at the next election in October. 

Councillor Lloyd Esler, in his third term, said he would probably stand again but would not decide until the final day of nominations.

He believed elected members could outlive their welcome. 

'There's a time when everyone should step aside, and maybe some people should be seriously considering that.'

He believed 'in general' people should do several terms and step aside because there were other talented people waiting to take their place. 

Deputy mayor Rebecca Amundsen will challenge long-time incumbent Sir Tim Shadbolt for the mayoralty, but she was undecided about also standing for a councillor's seat.

Councillor Ian Pottinger, in his third term, said he would be standing for a seat on the council once again. He had built up good experience on the council and he loved to contribute, he said.

Councillor Allan Arnold said he would stand for a councillor's seat because he wanted Invercargill to be the best place in New Zealand. He believed his business and public service experience helped bring a balanced view to decision making.

Councillor Graham Lewis said he would be standing for a councillor's seat because he thought he was doing a good job and people had asked him to.

Councillor Lindsay Abbott said he would be standing for a seat on the council also. The position had a huge responsibility to the electors and had to be championed and upheld, he said. 

Councillor Alex Crackett said she would be standing for a seat on the council as Invercargill needed a strong voice for community, business, innovation and development during the next few years of transformational change.

Councillor Lindsay Thomas said he would be standing for a seat on the council. 'We have started something good with the city block [to be demolished and rebuilt] and HWCP [Management Limited] and we need to see things through'.

Councillor Toni Biddle, who pulled out of the mayoral race after initially saying she was in, said she was undecided on whether to stand for a councillor's seat. Her decision was dependant on family circumstances.

Councillor Darren Ludlow said he was undecided on whether to stand for both the mayoralty and also undecided on whether to stand for a councillor's seat. 

Councillors Karen Arnold and Lesley Soper did not respond to the questions.