Cromwell Community Board

Bob Scott (Deputy Chair)

Mobile: 021 067 3355
Email: bob.scott@codc.govt.nz

I previously worked as an Executive Director in the air conditioning industry developing marketing software before a change of career led to me running my own company as a kitchen designer and installer.

Cromwell is an amazing place to live with a wide range of sporting and outdoor pursuits in a wonderful environment.

Our community is embarking on a period of unprecedented growth, and I want to ensure that we create a place where its younger members will feel privileged to live and work. This growth needs to be managed so that the community retains a family friendly dynamic.

I believe that I can help to do this by ensuring that we retain the greenways and open spaces that define Cromwell, improving the existing sporting and recreational facilities, and by working to enhance the availability of arts and cultural facilities.

I like to relax by playing golf and watching Formula 1 motor racing.

Mary McConnell

Email: mary.mcconnell@codc.govt.nz

I am a resource management planner, and I am currently raising my two young daughters alongside my husband in Cromwell.

Cromwell is growing and I want to deliver a town and community that supports our current and future residents’ aspirations for community togetherness.

Raising a family here gives me passion to see the best brought out in our community. I’ll work hard to get the best out of Council for our local community facilities and parks. My work as a resource management planner gives me an insight into our community potential. This reinforces my desire to put my skills to work to ensure Cromwell is a safe and inspiring place to live, work and raise families.

It is a privilege and a pleasure to represent the community on the Board and I look forward spending this term acting as an advocate for growth and change in a mutually beneficial manner.

Wally Sanford

Mobile: 027 408 1916
Email: wally.sanford@codc.govt.nz
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I've been in Cromwell since 2014 and had been a regular visitor for many years before. Cromwell's growth has been phenomenal in recent years and with that comes a mix of opportunities and challenges that I take a keen interest in, seeking great outcomes and solutions to.

I've been working as a land surveyor for over 15 years now and always keep myself busy learning and developing new skills generally hands-on, but I can handle the admin as well.

There are some very exciting projects on with the Cromwell Community Board at the moment, so I was stoked to be elected to the Board in February 2023. Having worked in big construction and played a tangible role in the growth of Cromwell through my day job, I believe I bring a good skill set and perspective to the Board. I'm keen to see our town centre develop into something to be proud of and look forward to a new memorial hall becoming the cement that holds our town together.

I love our new cycle trails and getting out on the lake with my wife Tracey and our two boys. Cromwell is a great place to live, and I look forward to leveraging the opportunities and solving any issues I can while serving on the Cromwell Community Board.

Neil Gillespie

Mobile: 027 433 4856
Email: neil.gillespie@codc.govt.nz
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My day job sees me employed as the Hydro Sustainability Specialist with Contact Energy at the Clyde Dam - part of the electricity industry that I've worked in since leaving school in 1978.

I have a passion for Cromwell and the Central Otago District along with a strong commitment to their ongoing growth and prosperity. I was born in Cromwell and am privileged to have been "back home" since 1985 and, along with Joy, raise our four children here.

I've been a member of the Cromwell Community Board since 1998 and was the Chairman from 2001 until 2019. I have also been a Cromwell Ward Councillor since 2001 and the Council's Deputy Mayor since November 2010.

Other interests include being the Chief Fire Officer with the Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade and I'm the Secretary of the Clyde & Districts Emergency Rescue Trust. I am also a member and past president of the Wanaka Rodeo Club and a Trustee of the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Central Otago continues to face significant challenges and opportunities as we grow and develop. As elected members we need to understand the views and needs of the community. Council shouldn't be the barrier to these but needs to enable them to be provided for where appropriate while being mindful of the costs on the community.

My extensive experience in the electricity industry and local government together with my other community interests has enabled me to develop an understanding of communities and I'm committed to understanding all views and ensuring they are considered in the decision-making process.

Sarah Browne

Mobile: 021 946 184
Email: sarah.browne@codc.govt.nz
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I came to Cromwell in 2008, and knew it was where I wanted to stay and bring up a family. The opportunities and lifestyle that Central Otago offers to young families is second to none.

I am a mother to four young children, also working as an architectural draughtsperson, and have previously spent over a decade in senior management positions in the hospitality and tourism industry in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago regions.

I am heavily involved in several junior sports as a coach, mentor, manager and committee member, as well as still picking up a hockey stick myself from time to time! I am a trustee of the Central Otago Sports Turf Trust and a past vice-president of the Central Otago Hockey Association.

Central Otago is a growing and changing region and I am here to represent the working families in the daily juggle; ensuring our slice of paradise grows sustainably, ethically and appropriately, and is welcoming to anyone who wants to call it home or to spend time here as a tourist. We must ensure that what we do today lays a solid foundation for our future generations to thrive.