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Candidates get the grand tour

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The 54 candidates standing for the Central Otago local elections had the opportunity on Tuesday (9 September 2025) to tour the new Cromwell hall and events centre, which is more than halfway through construction.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) Property and Facilities Manager Garreth Robinson and Project Manager - Cromwell Special Projects Bex Winders showed 15 of them around, explaining the layout and construction techniques used as well as the scope of the project. Morning tea followed at the Cromwell Town & Country Club.

Project manager Bex Winders accompanies a group of candidates for induction and to get their PPE at the Cromwell hall site.

Read more: First view of draft design for museum fit out - Central Otago District Council

A roof over our heads - Central Otago District Council

Operating options considered for key spaces at new Cromwell hall - Central Otago District Council

CODC Group Manager – Community Experience David Scoones said he was delighted that the candidates were able to see at first hand the progress on the build, likely the largest and most ambitious the district would see in the next 30 years.

“It gave the candidates a chance to visualise the spaces, to see how aspects of the new hall and events centre could be operated, with commercial operators leasing the café, cinema and catering kitchen, and with the other spaces to be run in a way that reflects and serves the needs of our community.”

The tour coincided with the start of mailing period for voting papers (from Tuesday 9 September to Monday 22 September) ahead of the election on Saturday 11 October, where people get to decide who represents the community on district and regional councils. The orange voting bins are already in place at council service centres, libraries and supermarkets. Voting closes 12 noon on 11 October.

Property and facilities manager Garreth Robinson (front, left) shows candidates through the new hall, which is more than halfway through construction by Naylor Love..

For the last election (2022) there were 29 nominations. This year the number doubled with 58 nominations and 54 candidates standing across the mayoralty, council and four community boards (Maniototo, Teviot Valley, Cromwell and Vincent).

Candidates pictured, from left, Stu Duncan, Tony Hammington, Nathan McLean, Tracy Paterson, Michelle Bisset and Sue Cain.

Meet the election candidates' public meetings will be held from 13 to 20 September 2025 throughout the district. Check the Council website for details.

Candidates pictured from left (back row) Bill Sanders (Project manager Bex Winders obscured), Stephen Carruth, Dave George, and Bob Scott; front row (from left) Wally Sanford, Rebecca Anderson, Travis Muir, Mark Jessop and Tamah Alley.

To enrol go to: Local elections 2025 | Vote NZ .

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