Tomorrow, Friday, May 21, is the last day to post your votes in the ILT by-election to make sure they arrive in time to be counted.

But there's still plenty of time to drop off votes in person. Voting will close on election day, next Thursday, May 27, at midday.

Deputy Electoral Officer Michael Morris says: "If you didn’t manage to make it to a postbox in time, you can still drop your vote off to the ICC Civic Administration Building in Esk Street, or to the Invercargill Public Library.

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"If you need to drop off your vote outside of business hours, you can drop it in the after-hours slot next to the main doors at the Civic Administration Building."

If you haven't received your voting papers, if your papers were damaged, or if you are on the unpublished roll, you can still cast a special vote.

"Just pop in to see our team in Esk Street and we can get you set up for a special vote," Morris says.

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Five people are contesting the by-election, hoping to be elected to the single vacancy on the six-person Invercargill Licensing Trust board.

They are Louise Evans, Reece McDonald, Jason McKenzie, John Pringle, and Lindsay Thomas.

Here are their candidate statements:

Louise Evans –

I work in innovation, accelerating growth in emerging businesses. I’m tech-savvy and turn problems into ideas worth talking about. I’ve created strategy for global brands and local legends, and will use these same talents for the good of our community.

Invercargill deserves a vibrant city like any other. One to attract and engage the next generation. We’re fortunate to have the ILT, an organisation ‘For Our Community,’ but we need to bring that purpose to life – channelling funding to enhance the culture; supporting staff to inspire excellence; and showcasing local fare on menus. It’s time for change.

I’m 33. Decisions this board make impact my life, and the culture of the city I’ve chosen to return to. Senior directors have their place, but as our city evolves it’s necessary to have another perspective.

I’m here to offer diversity of thought, more fun, respect for manaakitanga, and innovative change.

Vote Lou.

Reece McDonald –

I’m a proud product of this great city, home for 43 years, and am 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 I’ve run a successful business, which I’ve 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.

I’ve been a school board trustee and chair; a board member and president of Cycling Southland; and have been heavily involved with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Charity

Ride, which has raised thousands of dollars. That governance experience, combined with my financial and business acumen, make me an ideal candidate to ensure ILT achieves its goals.

Jason McKenzie –

A loyal family man who is proud to hail from the south, the passion I have for its future motivates me to seek election to the ILT.

Our city is evolving and so are the needs of our community. ILT has an important role to play in Invercargill’s future, commercially and socially, and I’m confident my skillset will be an asset to the board and enable its effective governance to continue.

Alongside my educational background, I have extensive experience in the social sector as a family court counsellor and have been involved in sport from grassroots to the Olympic ranks, including Academy Southland.

For me, professional and personal satisfaction stems from helping others reach their potential.

As an excellent communicator, respected by my peers, I thrive in team environments and relish every opportunity to be involved in our community. I have enjoyed six years on the ILT Foundation board.

John Pringle –

I am a senior partner in Cruickshank Pryde, practising in the areas of business, property and Family Law. I am also on the New Zealand Family Courts panel of Lawyer for Child and am also a youth advocate. I am a NZ Law Society Family mediator.

I am a member of the NZ Rugby Union Appeals Council and I chair the Southland Rugby Union Appeals and Board selection panels. I am the conduct commissioner for Southland Cricket.

I am also a singer songwriter having written and recorded 2 albums. Ihave performed in many venues around the City.

I am standing for the ILT as I have a passion for Southland and am a strong supporter of the Trust. The Trust has been a successful organisation for many decades and the challenge is to keep it relevant and successful in difficult and changing times.

Lindsay Thomas –

I have put my nomination for the ILT forward as I know that I have the governance skills to fill a void in this by-election.

The ILT is to be applauded for the new hotel build and now I would like to see them concentrate on supporting our communities by making our local taverns more of community

places for families and elderly to enjoy time at. Communities are important, as was proved with Covid, so making our taverns family focused is one way of connecting them.

Support around our smaller groups as well, like scout groups, chess clubs, dance groups and other organizations, that support young people with the enjoyment and socialization which is so important to their quality of life. The people of this city are the owners of the ILT, if elected I will be part of a team responsible for making your voice heard.

Vote Lindsay Thomas