For QLDC Councillor
Wanaka-Upper Clutha Ward
Wanaka-Upper Clutha Ward
Authorised by Craig Gasson, craig@gasson.nz
Hello, I’m Craig Gasson, and I’m standing as a candidate in the upcoming QLDC election.
As a proud Wanaka local for nearly 25 years, I care deeply about our community and its future. I run a thriving local wine business and have a young family.
I believe that it is time for a culture shift, one that brings practical, future-focused thinking to local government. Upper Clutha is growing rapidly, and we must ensure our infrastructure and services grow with us, while protecting the unique spirit that makes this place so special.
We need strong, local voices at QLDC, voices that advocate for the Upper Clutha. I know our region is full of energy, ideas, and talent. I’m committed to listening, engaging, and working hard to represent those voices around the council table.
I’m passionate about positive change and building a future that reflects the values of our people. I would be honoured to have your support. Thank you for considering me.
The Wanaka region is full of energy, ideas, and talent. I’m committed to listening, engaging, and working hard to represent our community.
A council that truly listens.
Open diaries, regular local meetings, and genuine collaboration with community groups.
Open diaries, regular local meetings, and genuine collaboration with community groups.
Projects that matter to our community.
Invest in projects that maximise daily community benefit without creating ongoing financial burdens.
Invest in projects that maximise daily community benefit without creating ongoing financial burdens.
A council that's truly accountable.
Transparent decisions, fair procurement, and smarter infrastructure planning that deliver value for ratepayers.
Transparent decisions, fair procurement, and smarter infrastructure planning that deliver value for ratepayers.
Let's plan smart from the start.
Our community is growing rapidly. Let's tap into our community expertise, review projects carefully, and deliver long-term value, not short-term fixes.
Our community is growing rapidly. Let's tap into our community expertise, review projects carefully, and deliver long-term value, not short-term fixes.
Projects that matter
Community Parks
Scurr Heights Fund, a legacy project. A community park with a children's adventure playground would be free to use, encourages connection, and requires minimal ongoing management.
Scurr Heights Fund, a legacy project. A community park with a children's adventure playground would be free to use, encourages connection, and requires minimal ongoing management.
Safer Mt Iron
Build a safe pedestrian and cycle crossing on Anderson Road. This makes the community safer and encourages more children to walk or bike to school. I have engaged with Wanaka Primary School and started to work on this. Let’s act before there’s an accident.
Build a safe pedestrian and cycle crossing on Anderson Road. This makes the community safer and encourages more children to walk or bike to school. I have engaged with Wanaka Primary School and started to work on this. Let’s act before there’s an accident.
Respect the villages
Speed through Luggate and Cardrona threatens safety and village character. Work with local ratepayers’ associations to deliver practical, community-backed traffic calming solutions.
Speed through Luggate and Cardrona threatens safety and village character. Work with local ratepayers’ associations to deliver practical, community-backed traffic calming solutions.
A Council that truly listens
Public diaries. Councillors should openly share their work and council activities. Ratepayers deserve to see what their votes, rates, and trust are delivering.
Regular Wanaka Councillor meetings. Establish fortnightly meetings to review projects, set priorities, and make decisions. Visit project sites, be visible in the community, and meet regularly with the Community Board.
Move beyond ‘drop-in sessions.’ These cannot be the only way councillors connect. Actively ask the community how they want to be heard, and when someone reaches out, respond and follow through. Real representation starts with listening.
Meet monthly with our local MP. Establish a clear line of communication and report back so ratepayers know local and national representatives are working together for the good of the community.
Listen first. Our community is filled with informed, passionate stakeholders. Groups like HAW, WAI Wanaka, and the Wanaka Stakeholders Association bring valuable expertise. Councillors should engage with these groups regularly.
Engage with private enterprise. Do local business initiatives align with community interests? Support projects that benefit the public, especially in infrastructure planning. Stop building first and hoping infrastructure catches up and plan smart from the start.
Establish a Project Specific Community Panel.
This town is full of incredible talent – let’s use it. A six-person volunteer panel of local experts in finance, law, environment, strategy, HR, and tech, could provide non-political guidance on long-term decision-making.
This town is full of incredible talent – let’s use it. A six-person volunteer panel of local experts in finance, law, environment, strategy, HR, and tech, could provide non-political guidance on long-term decision-making.
A Council that's truly accountable
Strong, collaborative leadership. Leadership sets the tone. It’s not enough to hold a title – council leaders must foster a progressive, solution-focused, forward-thinking environment. The mayor must lead, but also listen. Councillors deserve a voice in management and strategic direction, because true leadership is collaborative.
A productive, respectful relationship with QLDC’s Chief Executive. The CE should be held to account while also being supported. Strong performance comes when council creates the right environment for success.
Performance over permanence. To keep energy and accountability high, senior management should undergo an independent performance review at least every five years. Create a culture that rewards initiative, challenges stagnation and celebrates results.
Smarter Infrastructure for the Upper Clutha
Dedicated Infrastructure Manager for the Upper Clutha. Our community’s unique infrastructure needs deserve local oversight. A manager based here, not “over the hill,” will bring local knowledge and smarter planning.
Transparent project pipeline. Table a full overview of infrastructure works (in progress, imminent start, proposed, and future). Review each project for policy quality, relevance, and community value. Involve the Community Panel and local experts before engaging external consultants.
Clarity on committed projects. Be transparent with the public about projects that are too far along to stop and commit to reviewing all future projects through a more rigorous, community-led lens.
Review the tender process for engaging contractors. The QLDC Chief Executive’s performance contract should include strong KPIs on procurement and contractor engagement. Tighten the process—no preferential treatment, no “easy wins” for a select few. With the construction sector in a time of change, now is the time to demand better value, transparency, and fairness for ratepayers.
Get in touch
I’m here to listen and keen to hear your ideas, concerns, and hopes for the Upper Clutha.
Give me a call, send me an email and let’s have a chat about the issues that matter most to you.
Craig Gasson
P: 021 510 531 E: craig@gasson.nz
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Let’s make sure the Upper Clutha’s voice is loud and clear at the council table.