Queenstown Lakes District Council Chief Executive Mike Theelen has today accepted the resignation of Wanaka Ward Councillor Ella Lawton.

Dr Lawton has resigned from her position effective immediately, having indicated her intention to stand for the Otago Regional Council by-election. Dr Lawton’s contribution was acknowledged at the Full Council meeting held at Hawea yesterday in anticipation of today’s resignation.

The Local Electoral Act 2001 prohibits a member of a local authority from being a candidate for election to the regional authority with jurisdiction over the same district. The resignation is effective immediately and Dr Lawton will relinquish all previously held roles including District Plan hearings panel member and Wanaka Community Board member.

Dr Lawton’s resignation triggers a local by-election for the Wanaka Ward. Elected Wanaka Councillors automatically assume membership of the Wanaka Community Board. The by-election will be conducted by mail and nominations will be sought during May, with the election itself taking place during July.

ENDS

© Scoop Media