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- Invercargill City Council wrapped up its final meeting ahead of the October elections.
- Several long-serving councillors, including the Mayor, have stepped down from their roles.
- Postal voting is open, with election day scheduled for Saturday, 11 October.
Invercargill City Council held its final meeting on Tuesday, marking the end of the current term before local body elections take place next month. With postal voting already under way, the meeting served as a moment of reflection on the last three years and a farewell to several elected members who are stepping down.
Council Chief Executive Michael Day acknowledged the efforts of outgoing councillors. “Like every term, this one has been full of challenges as well as a number of significant achievements in both Invercargill and Bluff. Elected members have played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our community, and their contributions have made a tangible difference in ensuring it continues to thrive in the future,” he said.
“On behalf of our entire community, I want to recognise and thank them for their service – particularly those who are now standing down.”
Mayor Nobby Clark has ended his term and will not be seeking re-election. First elected as a councillor in 2019, he was appointed Deputy Mayor in 2020 and then elected Mayor in 2022. Over his time with the Council, he served on key committees including Infrastructure and Projects, Community Wellbeing and Regulatory, Finance and Policy, and Risk and Assurance, as well as subcommittees focused on the Community Wellbeing Fund and City Centre Heritage.
Councillor Lesley Soper also completed her service after three terms, beginning in 2016. During her time on Council, she contributed to several committees, including chairing the Finance and Policy Committee and the City Centre Heritage Subcommittee.
Outgoing Mayor And Councillors Sign Off
I will miss Mayor Nobby Clark’s dry wit. The last of four valedictory speeches in Invercargill City Council chambers on Tuesday afternoon, there was waiata following outgoing councillors’ Evelyn Cook and Lesley Soper’s speeches, and councillor Peter Kett spoke at length (40 mins) about everything he can remember during his
Aimee Wilson
Councillor Peter Kett wrapped up his seventh term after more than 25 years of service. First elected in 1998, he held roles on committees such as Infrastructure and Projects, Community Wellbeing and Regulatory, and the Invercargill District Licensing Committee.
In Bluff, three Community Board members – Sam Graham, Terina Stockwell and Tammi Topi – have also stood down. Graham and Stockwell were first elected in 2022, while Topi served two terms, having joined the board in 2019.
Day reminded residents of the importance of voting. “The decisions made around the Council table have a real impact on our everyday lives. They shape our roads, our parks, our pipes, our libraries, our community facilities, and more,” he said.
“With local body elections set to close on 11 October, now is the perfect time to think about whose values align with yours, and whose vision for our community represents your own. Every vote matters, and the future of Invercargill and Bluff depends on our community having its say on who should lead it.”
Esk Street Dog Sculpture A Bone Of Contention
The sculpture of two labrador dogs playing with a ball is destined for lower Esk Street, despite it lacking any cultural significance to the city’s history. Invercargill city councillors voted 7-6 in favour of Mayor Nobby Clark’s Notice of Motion to accept the sculpture from the Invercargill Public
Aimee Wilson
A total of 27 candidates are competing for Council seats, with eight running for Mayor. The Bluff Community Board has seven people contesting five spots, and eight candidates are standing for the Invercargill Licensing Trust.
Voting papers can be returned via the Civic Building on Esk St, the elections hub at Invercargill Central, the Bluff Service Centre, or the orange Vote Murihiku bins located across Invercargill and Bluff.
Further details, including how to vote or cast a Special Vote, are available at icc.govt.nz/elections.