Candidates are already at the starting line for Ashburton's election race, with nominations still three weeks away from opening.

One district councillor has joined Mayor Neil Brown in announcing this term will be their last, and the Methven Community Board will need a new chairperson.

Councillor Leen Braam has decided to call time on his council career due to the effects of long covid.

“I was keen to stand for council again at the next elections but long covid gave me some challenges over the last two years,” Braam said.

He said he has battled weight loss, aches, fatigue, memory loss, and the ability to speak – a symptom he joked “some people are happy with”.

“The weight and body are fine again. The memory and the speech are slowly getting back.”

Fatigue comes and goes and the "connection between my brain and mouth is not always correct”, he said.

“You lose your confidence as you never know what happens next.”

It has resulted in him making the tough decision to not run for council again.

With Brown and Braam bowing out, there will be at least two new faces around the council table.

There are already four candidates for the mayoralty: Third-term councillor Russell Ellis, deputy mayor Liz McMillan, councillor Rob Mackle, and Ashburton resident Jeff Ryan.

Mackle said he will not re-stand in the Western Ward, while Ellis (Ashburton) and McMillan (Western) both plan to also run in their respective wards.

Councillors Tony Todd and Phill Hooper will both seek a second term.

Cr Richard Wilson said he will make his decision later this month and Cr Carolyn Cameron and Cr Lynette Lovett are yet to make an announcement.

Wide open out West

With McMillan and Mackle the incumbent Western Ward councillors, there could potentially be two new councillors from the western side of the district.

None of the Methven Community Board members have indicated they are looking to run for the council.

Megan Fitzgerald hasn’t ruled out running for a seat in the west, but at this stage is only looking to stand for a second term on the community board.

“I think another term on the board will develop my skills as it’s important to have a good grounding before running for the council.

Her second child is due in July, with her daughter Louise born at the end of 2023, and “the campaign trail with a newborn could be rather challenging”.

Board chairperson Kelvin Holmes, a former district councillor from 2001 to 2010, has decided it is time to step away from local politics.

“It’s time for me to move on and for others to step up.

“I think the community board is in a great place.”

Deputy chairperson Richie Owen will also only be seeking a seat on the community board for a third term.

“There has been some great community projects and I’m excited to see where they go,” Owen said.

First-term board members Allan Lock and Robin Jenkinson did not respond.

Nominations for the election officially open on July 4.

Voting documents will be delivered in September, with voting closing at midday on 11 October.

The council is hosting a candidate information session on June 18 and anyone thinking about standing for council or the Methven Community Board in the Local Elections later this year can come along.

The session will be at Te Whare Whakatere, Council's offices, at Baring Square East, at 5.30pm, and potential candidates can learn all about the election process and ask questions.

By Jonathan Leask