Tensions Rise as Mayor’s PR Consultant Challenges Former Rival

The political landscape in Wānaka has become increasingly contentious following comments made by former mayoral candidate Olivia Wensley about current mayor Glyn Lewers. Wensley accused Lewers of failing to provide genuine answers during debates, asserting that he relied on “consultant-crafted PR spin” and used jargon such as “economic leakage.” These remarks were made on her public Facebook page and have since prompted a response from Lewers’ public relations consultant.

Wensley stated that she received an email from Celia Crosbie, the PR agent from the Wānaka-based agency Scope Communications. The email suggested that Wensley’s comments could be considered defamatory. Lewers confirmed that he has engaged Scope Communications to manage his media campaign for the current election cycle.

The conflict escalated after Wensley reported to the local council that Lewers had distributed political pamphlets at the Queenstown Recreation Centre, a venue owned by the council, which is against local election regulations. In her Facebook post, Wensley expressed surprise at the email from Crosbie, interpreting it as an attempt to silence her criticism. “In a democracy, the public must be able to question who is shaping the mayor’s image,” she asserted.

Lewers responded to the situation, stating that Crosbie is part of a group of friends assisting him and emphasized that she acted independently when contacting Wensley. “Celia is a private individual; she can do whatever she likes. She is not acting on my behalf when she sends that email,” he remarked.

Wensley criticized Lewers for not fostering an environment that encourages open discussion. She stated, “You can’t claim to build trust while your PR is trying to silence criticism.” Despite the controversy, Lewers appeared unfazed by the Facebook comments regarding his campaign strategies and qualifications as mayor. “She can say whatever she likes; I have no issues with it,” he concluded.

This exchange highlights the challenges and tensions present in local politics, particularly regarding transparency and public discourse. As the election campaign continues, the roles of public relations and personal communication strategies are likely to remain at the forefront of discussions among constituents.