Who should be Gore District's next mayor?

With locals due to go to the polls in early October, we've asked the two candidates for their opinions on the major issues facing the district. We're publishing the answers each week in the run up to the election.

Here's the second instalment, with Tracy Hicks first up this week:

What are the most positive aspects of life in Gore and what can be done to enhance them?

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Tracy Hicks

Age: 70

Occupation: Mayor

What are the most positive aspects of life in Gore and what can be done to enhance them?

From a Business, lifestyle, education, art, sports and cultural perspective Gore District is a fantastic place to live and raise a family. Given its location in the centre of the South where access to the mountains, the lakes, the south coast and the great urban areas is super easy Gore District has so many reasons why you should call the place home. Add to that mix the choice of three high quality airports all within a short drive opening up access to national and international destinations simple and enjoyable. Why wouldn’t you chose Gore District?

Getting that work life balance in proportion has become a real challenge for the developed world and yet we have it in abundance.

Call me biased in the extreme but I really struggle to fathom why the place I call home hasn’t tripled in size in my lifetime. It is simply New Zealand’s best kept secret.

Like all rural community’s across the nation of. Course there are some challenges, such as realistically funding essential infrastructure, particularly water but we have committed serious effort and capital to ensure that quality services are both constant and affordable.

But like most communities it’s the people that make the place and that is certainly case in Gore District.

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Ben Bell

Age: 23

Occupation: Director/business owner (Software Development)

What are the most positive aspects of life in Gore and what can be done to enhance them?

Gore District has so much to offer. We have activities for the adventurous, such as trail running, trout fishing and mountain biking; great local musicians and local theatre performances, and kid friendly activities like the cinema, ice-skating, and pools.

We have affordable housing, plentiful jobs and some of the friendliest and most helpful people you will meet in New Zealand. We have great schools, and an engaged older population with clubs and groups galore, from lawn bowls to the Rhodendron Club. 

The district is a hidden gem, and I have invited every resident here to tell others about how great our district is. I am doing my part – and I believe I will bring a lot of positive energy and take every opportunity to advocate for, and effectively represent our District and our communities on the national and international stage.

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