Councillor-elect Dave McKenzie withdraws

Statement Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley

"Today, I received an email from Councillor-elect Dave McKenzie advising of his decision to withdraw from the election process.

If Mr. McKenzie is confirmed as a councillor in the official results, his resignation will take effect immediately. We anticipate official results by the end of this week. This will trigger a by-election for the Vincent ward, expected to be held in the next few months.

While this will incur additional costs for ratepayers, I believe it is the best outcome to ensure our community’s full confidence in the integrity of their Council over the next three years."

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Statement Dave McKenzie

“I am proud I tried to do something good by standing for Council for the benefit of the ratepayers. Thank you for all the people who saw my ideals, worthy of your vote.

I stand by every decision or action I have taken in my life and the accountability that goes along with that.

The online destructive, misinformation and hatred has become a too higher price to pay for my children, my wife, and my physical and mental wellbeing. I am disappointed, I am forced to put our wellbeing ahead of the communities need.

Therefore, I resign / withdraw from the Council election with immediate effect.

My family wish to take some time, decompress and move on with our lives. Consequently, I will not be making any further comments on my resignation or online posts.”