Southland Elections: Councillors Frank About ‘Challenging’ Role

Saturday, 22 March 2025, 8:08 pm
Article: Matthew Rosenberg - Local Democracy Reporter

Southland councillors have highlighted a “challenging” term in office with many undecided about the October election.

But mayor Rob Scott has confirmed he will be in the mix, saying the cycle was too short to only consider a single term.

“I love the job and have got a lot of work still to do, so I’d love to carry on,” Scott said.

“It’s been more than a full-time job, and been a huge commitment, but also one that I’ve really enjoyed.”

Scott became mayor by a narrow margin in 2022, just 39 votes ahead of second place.

Former mayor Gary Tong was close behind in third place, and confirmed to Local Democracy Reporting last week his political days were over.

None of the currently elected councillors expressed mayoral aspirations, with a number still undecided about where they stood.

Wrapping up his eighth term, Paul Duffy had previously said this would be his last but was having second thoughts after rectifying health issues.

He said there were “a lot of issues” affecting the council, including funding pressures, rising costs and uncertainty around water.

First-term councillor Derek Chamberlain said he was still considering, but did not hold back when describing the term.

“Challenging and frustrating. A lot of words. Rewarding may not be one of them.”

Fellow first-termer Matt Wilson didn’t have a definitive answer, but admitted he initially thought he wouldn’t before reconsidering.

“It (council) moves a lot slower than I ever expected,” he said.

Margie Ruddenklau was also yet to finalise a decision, while Stewart Island/Rakiura representative Jon Spraggon said there was a possibility he’d stand again.

Darren Frazer was more certain, saying he had run his race after three terms.

“I’m done, so that’s it for me.”

Frazer said the role was getting more challenging, but believed the council had still delivered “some good stuff”.

Those keen for another term included deputy mayor Christine Menzies and Sarah Greaney, who indicated her first had been a mixed bag.

“I think it has been varied, it's been interesting, certainly had a lot of challenges and a lot of work in the pipeline that still needs to be done,” Greaney said.

Other names likely to reappear on voting papers included Julie Keast, Jaspreet Boparai, Tom O’Brien and Don Byars.

Southland District Council is made up of one mayor and 12 councillors.

Nominations for this year’s election open 4 July and close 1 August.

The election is set for 11 October.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

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