Hats thrown in ring as deadline nears

Incumbent councillors along with aspiring politicians are now getting busy and putting their names forward as the countdown to the closing off of nominations for the Local Body elections looms.

In Masterton three sitting district councillors have again put their names forward being David Holmes, Chris Peterson and Graham McClymont.

Mr Holmes, a farmer, and Mr Peterson, a teacher, are standing at large and Mr McClymont for the rural ward.

The last named is seeking his second term as a councillor whereas Mr Peterson has been on the council since 1995.

Mr Holmes was first elected to the council in a byelection in 2003 but failed to be re-elected at the Local Body elections the following year.

He was again elected in 2007 and in 2010, narrowing missing out on winning the mayoralty in 2010.

In Carterton two long-term sitting councillors have nominated, being Jill Greathead and Ruth Carter, along with two seeking a seat on council for the first time.

The newcomers are Carterton wheelwright Greg Lang and administration officer Bridget Evans.

No mayoral nominations have yet been received in Carterton.

A freshly lodged nomination for election to Masterton Trust Lands Trust has come from Wayne O'Styke, who works for the Justice Department in Wellington but who owns a lifestyle block at Opaki.

Mr O'Styke said yesterday his family was originally from Wairarapa and he and his wife Wendy spend about 50 per cent of their time in the district. Mr O'Styke's father Jack is well known in horse racing circles. Wayne O'Styke is a former property manager with Foodstuffs and in that role had dealings with Masterton Trust Lands Trust.

He said the trust held a good assets portfolio for the town and was involved in community education projects and sponsorship.