Mayor & Councillors
Our Central Otago District Council is made up of members of the public who are elected to represent you and your community. They were elected on 8 October 2022 and will hold office for a three-year term.
Their job as elected members is to govern and manage the interests of this district on behalf of everyone who lives here. It is also their role to look after the well-being of this community, now and in the future.
The Council is led by the Mayor together with 11 elected Councillors. Their contact details are below should you want to discuss your ideas, issues or concerns.
Council meets monthly. This is when formal decisions regarding the running of our district are made.
Our Council has also chosen to have four Community Boards to help represent the communities of Central Otago, they are Vincent Community Board, Cromwell Community Board, Maniototo Community Board and Teviot Valley Community Board.
Introducing your Council....
Tim Cadogan (Mayor)
Mobile: 021 639 625
Email: mayor@codc.govt.nz
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Kia ora from your Mayor.
I often say that I don't know if I'm the luckiest man in the world, but I am certain I am the luckiest one I know. What makes me feel that way?
Firstly, I have a marvellous wife and family, including a very entertaining mokopuna who lives nearby. I have also been given the great privilege of now being in my third term as the Mayor of the best place in the world, our Central Otago.
It is easy to love this place, with its big skies, raw hills and wide-open spaces. It is a place where it's easy to feel as one with the world. It is also a place full of great people; from descendants of our earliest settlers to new residents who are bringing their knowledge and experience from all corners of the world.
I continually challenge myself to be Mayor to the whole district, not just some parts, not just some people. So, wherever you are in Central, know that I will be happy to hear from you and to sit down and have a chat sometime. Please always feel free to get in touch.
Neil Gillespie (Deputy Mayor)
Cromwell Ward
Mobile: 027 433 4856
Email: neil.gillespie@codc.govt.nz
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My day job sees me employed as the Hydro Sustainability Specialist with Contact Energy at the Clyde Dam - part of the electricity industry that I've worked in since leaving school in 1978.
I have a passion for Cromwell and the Central Otago District along with a strong commitment to their ongoing growth and prosperity. I was born in Cromwell and am privileged to have been "back home" since 1985 and, along with Joy, raise our four children here.
I've been a member of the Cromwell Community Board since 1998 and was the Chairman from 2001 until 2019. I have also been a Cromwell Ward Councillor since 2001 and the Council's Deputy Mayor since November 2010.
Other interests include being the Chief Fire Officer with the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade and I'm the Secretary of the Clyde & Districts Emergency Rescue Trust. I am also a member and past president of the Wanaka Rodeo Club and a Trustee of the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Central Otago continues to face significant challenges and opportunities as we grow and develop. As elected members we need to understand the views and needs of the community. Council shouldn't be the barrier to these but needs to enable them to be provided for where appropriate while being mindful of the costs on the community.
My extensive experience in the electricity industry and local government together with my other community interests has enabled me to develop an understanding of communities and I'm committed to understanding all views and ensuring they are considered in the decision-making process.
Tamah Alley
Vincent Ward
Mobile: 027 662 2609
Email: tamah.alley@codc.govt.nz
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Central Otago requires a voice for growing families to ensure our area remains progressive, innovative and affordable. Together with my husband Matt and three children, we live near Alexandra. Formally a Police Constable, I am passionate about enabling positive outcomes for our communities, both urban and rural.
Our ageing population combined with new resident growth presents challenges for residents and ratepayers. We want all community members to have ample opportunities to engage in and contribute to our society and economy, while ensuring the cost of additional infrastructure and development is distributed in a fair and equitable way without burdening any one generation.
Environmental sustainability coupled with economic viability and development are important to successfully growing our region in a way that retains the values of why we live here. Innovation in the way we use, reuse, and replace resources is required to protect our unique environments, and there are some exciting projects underway in this space. We need to be ready to face the challenges of a changing climate, and better prepare for the extreme events that will come.
I am excited to be returning to represent you on Council, and also to join the Vincent Community Board this term. I bring proven leadership, communication and mediation skills, along with energy and enthusiasm to help shape our region for future generations.
Sarah Browne
Cromwell Ward
Mobile: 021 946 184
Email: sarah.browne@codc.govt.nz
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I came to Cromwell in 2008, and knew it was where I wanted to stay and bring up a family. The opportunities and lifestyle that Central Otago offers to young families is second to none.
I am a mother to four young children, also working as an architectural draughtsperson, and have previously spent over a decade in senior management positions in the hospitality and tourism industry in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago regions.
I am heavily involved in several junior sports as a coach, mentor, manager and committee member, as well as still picking up a hockey stick myself from time to time! I am a trustee of the Central Otago Sports Turf Trust and a past vice-president of the Central Otago Hockey Association.
Central Otago is a growing and changing region and I am here to represent the working families in the daily juggle; ensuring our slice of paradise grows sustainably, ethically and appropriately, and is welcoming to anyone who wants to call it home or to spend time here as a tourist. We must ensure that what we do today lays a solid foundation for our future generations to thrive.
Lynley Claridge
Vincent Ward
Mobile: 027 289 1551
Email: lynley.claridge@codc.govt.nz
I have lived in Central Otago for more than 40 years with my husband John and am lucky to have my family living nearby.
Previously Associate and Practice Manager in a local accounting firm for 31 years, Accounting Manager in the gold mining industry and now owner of a funeral business covering Central Otago and Lakes District, I understand issues facing our ratepayers from differing perspectives.
I love Central Otago and look forward to being part of the decision making that maximises opportunities for growth, paves the way for our people to grasp opportunities, and protects this perfect place we call home, a place we and our families can live, work and retire for our lifetimes.
I have previous experience on Council and Community Board, and the Central Lakes Trust, and I welcome discussion with ratepayers who have concerns in the community.
Ian Cooney
Vincent Ward
Mobile: 027 241 4177
Email: ian.cooney@codc.govt.nz
I am 38 years old. I have three children who live in my care half of the time.
Over the years I have managed aged care, hospitality and agriculture support businesses, along with owning and operating my own motel business. Currently my work involves management of a local hospitality establishment.
In the past I have played and coached sports both locally and regionally.
I enjoy spending time with my children and attending their sports, cultural and school events.
I hope to be able to listen to the needs of the community and work together with fellow elected members, staff and community members to build a resilient infrastructure based on considered use of the available resources.
Stuart Duncan
Maniototo Ward
Mobile: 021 224 2320
Email: stuart.duncan@codc.govt.nz
I am a fourth-generation farmer from White Sow Valley in the Māniatoto. My wife Lorraine and I have three children. With my parents we are the owner-operators of The Wedderburn Cottages, providing accommodation to users of the Otago Central Rail Trail.
The further development and protection of the Central Otago area is extremely important to me. I believe this can be reached by balancing tradition and history, with fresh ideas and an entrepreneurial focus. It is vitally important that agriculture, being a major contributor to our economy, has a voice around the council table. As a landowner I am able to advocate for farmers on issues relating to water and the land. For my children I want to create an environment of support and opportunity, while retaining the important aspects a lifestyle in a rural community offers.
I bring skills to Council that have been developed through our successful businesses and from four terms on the Maniototo Community Board. My strong sporting involvement, as committee member of a variety of clubs and a rail trail operator has given me a sound understanding of the recreational requirements of the region.
Throughout my life I have been involved in a wide range of activities and projects. I relish the challenges that local body politics offer and look forward to continuing to positively channel my determination and energy for the benefits of Central Otago.
Sally Feinerman
Teviot Valley Ward
Mobile: 021 900 643
Email: sally.feinerman@codc.govt.nz
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After owning a historic holiday cottage in Roxburgh for 14 years, my husband Carl and I returned to settle permanently in Roxburgh in 2014 and opened Feinerman's Wholefood Store, adding to the vibrancy of the main street. I have become an active community member, including serving two terms on the Teviot Valley Community Board.
I am passionate about Central Otago and love exploring all corners of our district in my spare time, either biking or hiking. The cycle trails have added so much recreational and tourism value to our community, and have bolstered our small towns. I am keen to look at ways to leverage this more as our trails expand from Queenstown to Dunedin.
I am the current chair of the Roxburgh swimming pool rebuild, and we are finally seeing years of hard work come to fruition. I sit on the walkways committee, Teviot Prospects and the Teviot Valley Community Hubs group for orchardists.
I'm invested in the future of the Central Otago district, and I wish to see more sustainable business growth in this area to allow more families and businesspeople to call this amazing place their home while considering the environmental impacts on the region.
We have some hard decisions ahead, but as an elected member I look forward to understanding our community's needs and helping shape our district's future in a sustainable way. I would like to see more education about recycling and reusing.
My skills gained from a career in the tourism and event sectors will enable me to contribute to the continued growth of our vibrant community.
Lastly, we have the possibility of the Lake Onslow battery project going ahead, and I am keen to ensure our community gets a good outcome should this go to the next stage.
Cheryl Laws
Cromwell Ward
Mobile: 027 303 0455
Email: cheryl.laws@codc.govt.nz
I am serving my second term as a Cromwell Ward councillor. I work in the wine industry as a cellar door manager. I am married with two adult children and three teenaged step-children. I am also Cromwell’s coordinator for the Cancer Society’s annual Daffodil Day.
I am a passionate advocate for green spaces, recycling initiatives and family-oriented Council policies. This is also my second term on the Cromwell Community Board. We have important decisions to be made this term relating to the construction of the Memorial Hall and the Cromwell Masterplan.
Nigel McKinlay
Cromwell Ward
Mobile: 027 474 1961
Email: nigel.mckinlay@codc.govt.nz
I live in Bannockburn and, with my wife Pauline, own and operate GATE 20 TWO Vineyard.
I have wide experience in manufacturing and retail, have served on several national trade organisations, and belonged for four years to the Small Business Advisory Group, set up in 2002 to advise Cabinet on small business.
I have also served on community groups and am a past president of Dunedin's Fortune Theatre.
This is my fourth term on Council and I have served four terms on the Cromwell Community Board. I believe strongly in the Cromwell district and in Central Otago. Promoting economic progress, and the cost and efficiency of local government are areas of interest.
For relaxation I enjoy reading, bridge, gardening and tennis.
Martin McPherson
Vincent Ward
Phone: 03 448 9114
Mobile: 021 879 849
Email: martin.mcpherson@codc.govt.nz
I have lived, worked and played in Central Otago for 30 years. My partner Christine and I enjoy this community and its people.
I am probably best known as the event manager for the Alexandra Blossom Festival. This role brings me into contact with people across our wonderful region.
We live in a rapidly developing and changing community, a district that is facing many challenges. It is a privilege to represent the people of Central Otago on Council and I undertake to always listen to your concerns, share your thoughts and discuss your views.
I have represented the people of this region for over five terms on Council. I have chaired the Vincent Community Board and look forward to working alongside newly elected members of Council and Community Board as we look to the next three years of local government.
As I continue in this role, I trust my contribution will add value to the Council and as a team we will all work towards making "our place" even better.
Tracy Paterson
Vincent Ward
Mobile: 027 493 4422
Email: tracy.paterson@codc.govt.nz
Central Otago has been home to me for 23 years. Originating from Waiheke Island I ventured South to Otago University and never went back. My husband Andrew and I farm at Matakanui Station in Omakau. We have three teenage children.
Previously a lawyer in a local law firm for several years and now a full-time farmer and business owner, I am a passionate advocate for the unique rural district we live in and its people.
I am widely involved in the community, Chair of Central Otago Health Inc., Central Otago A & P Association, NZ Wool Classers Association, Charitable Trusts. I believe strongly in giving back and are constantly amazed and humbled at the level of community service from the residents in our district - this is part of our special character for Central Otago.
This is my second term on Council and the first on the Vincent Community Board.