Former Queenstown Chamber boss joins "Elect Lewers" campaign group

Further evidence has emerged to today of a large and apparently well funded campaign group fighting for the re-election of current QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers.

Crux has already published details of a significant campaign being executed by Wānaka based PR company Scope Communications and 100% owner Celia Crosbie. Skyline Enterprises director and shareholder Richard Thomas is also part of the group and has not responded to Crux questions as to whether he is funding the ever-larger Lewers campaign machine.

Skyline has a market capitalisation of between $750 million and $1 billion and has extensive property and business interests within the Queenstown CBD, including the Skyline gondola, luge and restaurant which is currently being upgraded at a cost of over $300 million.

Mayor Lewers and the QLDC have invested large amounts of ratepayer money in an attempt to revitalise the CBD in the face of traffic congestion, a lack of parking and widespread business and residential migration out to Frankton.

Crux understands that Anne Lockhart is now working as Lewers’ campaign manager with Mrs Crosbie handling communication, PR and strategy.

During her time as CEO of the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Mrs Lockhart fought hard for CBD business interests as does the current Chamber CEO Sharon Fifield.

She did not reply to Crux text or phone messages today.

Mrs Lockhart’s LinkedIn profile does not include her time as CEO of the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce but does refer to her tenure as CEO of the CBD based, and ratepayer supported, tourism marketing group Destination Queenstown.

In the absence of any clear answers from the Lewers re-election group it appears that the full-strength campaign group is being funded by Mr Thomas along with other (undeclared) business interests.

Local election legislation requires all funding and donations above $1,500 to be declared and for any difference between regular market rates for key professional resources, and a discounted rate, to be declared as campaign expenses. Professional marketing services are regarded as an election expense.

Local Government NZ’s guide to candidates indicates that Mayor Lewers will have to work within a campaign limit of $30,000 but already that budget appears to be close to being fully spent with glossy, high production value videos already published on Facebook and the retention of both Scope Communications and Mrs Lockhart at their regular market value. Queenstown publicist and influencer Lauren Prebble is also working with the Lewers re-election team.

Mr Lewers has been noticeably absent from social media for most of his time as mayor.

He told a Queenstown debate audience on Tuesday night that a personal coach had advised him when he was first elected to avoid social media. He told the audience:

“The trolls on social media are disgusting. I stopped using social media for 18 months and have never been happier.”