The mayoral race in North Otago is wide open after sitting mayor Alex Familton opted not to stand again.
Mr Familton has been mayor of Waitaki district for six years.
He said he decided not to run for a third term because he has achieved most of what he campaigned on, especially council financial prudence.
Mr Familton said he has overseen the halving of council rates increases to about 3.5%.
During his time as mayor, the district expanded its tourism and agricultural sectors, but also endured major floods and the down-scaling of the Summit Wool Spinners plant.
A former Waitaki mayor, Gary Kircher, has indicated he will stand again.