New Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover thrashed former mayor Glyn Lewers in the vote count by nearly 1000 votes.
But the newcomer will inherit the same issues such as underdeveloped infrastructure for the population, wastewater issues, traffic disruptions and insufficient housing and rentals.
“There is a lot of pressure on our community from a lot of different directions. People are finding things tough whether that is the cost of living or sitting in the traffic or what they are reading in the papers about wastewater and rapid development,” Mr Glover said.
Based on progress results, Mr Glover received 3449 votes to defeat incumbent Glyn Lewers, who received 2635 votes.
The 64-year-old, who had run unsuccessfully for council three times, said voters had sent a clear message for change.
The QLDC area is expected to supersede Dunedin in the next 10 to 15 years.
“The challenge is making sure that growth is good and that we are delivering good roads, and things that benefit the community.”
Councillors would need to “listen to and act on what is said by residents”, and spend ratepayer money as if it was their own, he said.
“We will apply a laser-sharp financial focus and review the culture of financial practices in order to minimise rates increases.
“I firmly believe we need to really get ahead of growth and worth out what urban design looks like. I don’t think we really have a holistic view of that. We tend to strap on things afterwards.”
Mr Glover said one of the issues standing out while on the campaign trail was a lack of trust in the council and its transparency on projects or spending. He planned to keep an open diary where the public could see what their mayor was up to on a daily basis.
Given the Upper Clutha now accounted for two-fifths of the QLDC area in population, Mr Glover wanted this to be reflected in decision making, workshops held here and was pleased to see two newly elected Wanaka members on council.
In the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Ward, incumbents Quentin Smith (2722) and Niki Gladding (2256), formerly of Queenstown-Wakatipu ward, were returned to the table, while newcomers were Nicola King (2833) and Yeverley McCarthy (1707).
On the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board, Simon Telfer (3186), Kathy Dedo (3081), John Wellington (2380) and Chris Hadfield (1871) were all elected.
“I heard on the campaign trail a feeling that the Upper Clutha weren’t getting their fair share and I think what does that mean? I think it is important we go through that exercise and see how do we get that involvement in the community?”
He said the loss of five incumbent councillors would allow a welcome injection of “new blood”,
but would be balanced by the return of several experienced councillors.
He would work to restore trust in the council and get the community on board as it tackled some difficult challenges.
“We will work to deliver ‘smart growth’ where we are ahead of the game with services, transport and community facilities, where growth pays its way and provides new opportunities and where it does not compromise our environment.”