Close run likely in Westland District by-election

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

Voting for the Westland District Council Northern Ward by-election opens on Thursday (January 26) and it could be a close run.

The ward covers the entire rural area of Westland district south from the Taramakau River to Ross, including Otira, Kumara, Kumara Junction, Kaniere, Three Mile, Blue Spur, Kokatahi-Kowhitirangi and Rimu. It represents more than 50% of the rateable value for the entire district - which stretches south to Haast and Jacksons Bay.

The Northern Ward has burgeoned in the past decade, with a significant increase in rural subdivision and infill housing in the more historic rural settlements, driven by rising property values and the housing shortage in Hokitika.

Of note, in the northern part of the ward closest to Greymouth, the combined area of Kumara Junction, Kumara Tram and Kumara township now has a combined population of about 800 - with the junction now having a larger population than historic Kumara (about 360).

Likewise the traditional town boundary of Hokitika is stretching ever wider into the Northern Ward.

The surprise by-election was sparked by Lake Kaniere resident Ian Hustwick, who stepped down almost immediately after being elected in October.

Hustwick, previously a district councillor about a decade ago, said he could not in conscience be part of the new council which was delivered by the voters late last year.

That left the three-seat Northern Ward one short.

Candidate interest has been high, with seven nominations until former West Coast regional councillor Debra Magner withdrew from the race due to work commitments.

With six remaining, a split vote is on the cards - Charley Cowie, Jacquie Grant, Flow Ir Inn, Euan Mackenzie, Richard Osmaston and Patrick Phelps are all chipper about their chances.

Cowie, of Stafford, said he was running to give people "more choice," with fresh ideas, given that over 40 blank voting papers had been returned from the Northern Ward last time, indicating voters felt they had no real choice.

Flow Ir Inn said their focus was that the council was inefficient, with internal management issues and spending "that needs to be sorted" -- with the value of their information technology background to add to the table.

Grant, who missed election in the last elections, said she believed her chances were good and she would bring, logic, experience and "some common sense".

Mackenzie, now of Kaniere, said he could bring a needed fresh perspective to the council table as a relative newcomer to the district, after emigrating from Scotland 12 years ago.

The council needed a solid focus on its economic base to facilitate adequate housing in the area, for example, he said.

Perennial election candidate Richard Osmaston, who lives in the Tasman District, said he was standing to help lift the profile of his Money Free Party.

"We need a toehold," he said.

Phelps, of Hokitika and the Minerals West Coast manager, said he was standing to ensure the council operated in the best interests of the ratepayers and residents.

The council was there primarily to be "a rule book and a referee, to uphold people's property rights" and to ensure the right framework so people could go about their business, he said.

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