Five candidates; A six person board; only one vacancy.

The five nominees who are campaigning to be elected are Louise Evans, Reece McDonald, Jason McKenzie, John Pringle, and Lindsay Thomas.

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Deputy Electoral Officer Michael Morris said those who received voting papers in the mail have until May 21 to post them back after which time they’ll need to drop them off in person to a ballot box at the Invercargill City Council Civic Administration Building, or at the Invercargill Public Library, to make sure their vote arrives before voting closes.

Voting will close on election day at midday on Thursday, 27 May.

Our poll is now closed: A total of 354 votes were made in our pole over 5 days.

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Information about the by-election, including candidate profiles, is available at icc.govt.nz/elections/2021-ilt-by-election

“Your voting papers will also include information about each candidate. If you don’t receive your papers by 14 May, please contact us on (03) 2111777,” Mr Morris said`

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Louise Evans

Louise Evans believes that having a younger voice around the ILT board table is vital in creating positive change in the city.

“I want to help the ILT create a brighter future for Invercargill, and engage, retain and attract the next generation of Southlanders.”

The 33-year-old chief activator at COIN South has a creative background and her experience helping small businesses grow gives her a unique perspective – now she wants to use her talents for the good of the community.

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“Invercargill may be small, but we deserve a vibrant city like any other. Craft beer bars, diversity on menus, opportunities for smaller, intimate establishments…as the largest employer of young people in the region, I believe the ILT has a responsibility to enhance the culture of our city.”

Lou believes the ‘Southern hospitality,’ reputation comes down to people, and she wants to inspire and empower staff to add more personality into their establishments, “and even go so far as to look for ways of investment opportunity for those who are shining examples of this.”

In her role at COIN South, she’s had the privilege of working with talented food producers from all over the region.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have some of the best produce in the world, but sadly our menus don’t reflect that. I would love the ILT to support local food on local menus.”

Lou said she is here to offer diversity of thought, more fun, respect for manaakitanga, and innovative change.

“Vote for someone young, smart, and creative. Vote for the future of our community. Vote Lou.”

Jason McKenzie

Helping others reach their potential has been a hallmark of Jason McKenzie’s career, and it’s the driving force behind his decision to seek a position on the ILT board.

“It wasn’t a hard decision to make because it feels like the right fit for me and I’m passionate about the south and our city,” McKenzie said.

“I love working with people, teams and business to help them reach their full potential and believe the ILT shares the same ethos.

“Our city is evolving and we need to continue the momentum with the right people in the right leadership roles.”

Manager of the Academy Southland programme for talented Southland athletes, McKenzie has an educational background and extensive experience in the social sector as a family court counsellor.

On the sporting front, his mental skills expertise is highly sought after across a range of codes, including the New Zealand Olympic team for Tokyo 2021.

“People are experts about their own lives. The people of Invercargill know what’s best for their city and the role of the ILT board is to partner with them to make that happen,” he said.

McKenzie’s governance experience includes Waihopai School and James Hargest College board of trustees, along with his current role on the board of the ILT Foundation which he has held for the past six years.

“From my time on the ILT Foundation I understand the crucial piece of the puzzle the ILT has played in our community in the past and will in the future. The organisation has led strongly through challenging times and it’s important there is a smooth transition following Mike’s resignation.

“I’ve experienced the positive impact ILT has on the wellbeing of our community across all sectors and now this is a chance for me to give back and contribute my skills to help ensure that continues.

Reece McDonald

Reece McDonald says he is a proud product of this great city he has called home for 43 years, and is passionate about Invercargill and its residents – “I want to see our community thrive.

“We’re in a critical period of change and I want to be part of that process to leave a legacy for future generations.”

For 14 years he has run a successful business – owning the Ricoh dealership in the South, and he has also been involved with many sporting and cultural events.

“I’m acutely aware of the role the ILT has in returning profits to the community it serves, and I’ve seen the impact the organisation makes in Invercargill.

He has also been a school board trustee and chair, a board member and president of Cycling Southland, and heavily involved in a number of community events, along with most recently the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Charity Ride, which raised thousands of dollars.

He believes his governance experience, combined with financial and business acumen, makes him an ideal candidate to ensure ILT achieves its goals.

John Pringle

John Pringle believes he has the governance experience and skill set to be an asset to the Invercargill Licensing Trust.

He’s also keen to help push the ILT into “modern times”.

Pringle feels the hospitality industry in recent years has moved towards smaller, quirky and diverse venues rather than the larger taverns or pubs of the past.

He pointed to New Plymouth and Nelson as cities of similar size to Invercargill, which have smaller establishments such as craft beer bars, gin/cocktail and wine bars.

He does not believe Invercargill has kept up with the shift in what people are looking for.

“While taverns and pubs are fine , it is about giving people options to enjoy social activities, and also ensure a vibrant and interesting inner-city that we are proud of and that will attract visitors.”

He is a strong supporter of the trust and the good work it does in terms of funding many individuals and organisations in the city.

“The trust has been a successful organisation for many decades but the challenge is to keep it relevant and successful in difficult and changing times”.

Pringle is a senior partner in law firm Cruickshank Pryde, practising in the areas of business, property, and family Law.

He is on the New Zealand Family Courts panel, a NZ Law Society family mediator, member of New Zealand Rugby’s Appeals Council, and chairs the Rugby Southland Appeals and Board selection panels.

He chaired the Rugby Southland Judicial Committee for 25 years, and has held the role of President of the Pirates-Old Boys Rugby Club, Rotary Club of Invercargill Sunrise and the Invercargill Club.

A singer-songwriter who has written and recorded two albums, he would like to see musicians provided with greater opportunities in ILT establishments.

“I’d like to see a small stage and sound equipment added to some venues where local musicians can get up and play. “

Pringle himself has performed in many venues around the city.

Lindsay Thomas

Former Invercargill City councillor Lindsay Thomas has a soft spot for the ILT, as he believes in the investment they provide, not only within the sporting sector, social services but also in education.

“The people of this city are the owners of the ILT, and if elected I will be part of a team responsible for making your voice heard.”

Currently working in the education sector, Lindsay believes the ILT should be applauded for the new hotel build, and now wants them to concentrate on better supporting the communities, by making the local taverns more inviting for whole families.

“Communities are important, as was proved with Covid, so making our taverns family focused is one way of connecting them.”

He would also like to see better support around the smaller groups and clubs as well, like scouts, chess and dance groups, as well as the other organisations that support young people.

Lindsay said when he was growing up the drinking age was 21, and the pub scene was mostly male orientated.

“I have seen first-hand the community feel of a pub – we have elderly people who live by themselves come to it for company, perhaps have a bet on the horses or pokies.

“These are the people who live by themselves and are looking for company.”

He said not everyone are drinkers “but lots of our locals interact with these elderly folks and it is very refreshing.”

ILT – Invercargill, Love the Territory.

ILT Candidates Information, Our Poll Results

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