Councillor Lynette Lovett will not seek re-election on the Ashburton District Council after taking her children's advice.

Nominations for the local body elections open today (July 4).

Lovett, a third-term councillor, said she considered putting her name forward until her children told her she's "too old".

“I’ve turned 70 and it's time to focus on me.”

She feels it’s time to spend more time with her grandchildren, travel, and “actually use my campervan”.

“I’ve loved my nine years as a councillor, it’s been a privilege and an honour.

“I’ve reluctantly decided it’s time for me to move on and for someone new to step up.

“We need some younger people around the table, people with a vision and passion for the district.”

Lovett’s decision means at least one new candidate will emerge in the Eastern Ward.

Richard Wilson will stand for a second term on the Ashburton District Council in the Eastern Ward but ruled out a run at the mayoralty.

Wilson joins the majority of sitting councillors seeking re-election.

Three of those – Liz McMillan, Russell Ellis, and Rob Mackle - are looking to become mayor, with Neil Brown not seeking a third term.

Willson said he has “other commitments, like running my farm business, to be able to commit to being mayor”.

“It’s a role that you have to be fully committed to,” Wilson said.

“I will be running for the council and, if elected again, I’ll be happy to work with whoever the people elect as mayor to keep working for the best interests of the community.”

The only other sitting councillor yet to make a decision is Cr Carolyn Cameron.

“I really enjoy being a councillor but I just need to make sure I can fully commit to another three years.

“And if I say I’ll do it, I will. I just haven’t worked that out yet.”

As well as Lovett and Brown, Cr Leen Braam has decided not to run for a fourth term on council.

Mackle said he will not restand in the Western Ward, while Ellis (Ashburton) and McMillan (Western) both plan to also run in their respective wards.

Ashburton ward first-term councillors Phill Hooper and Tony Todd have indicated they will stand for reelection.

Candidate nominations close at midday on August 1.

Voting documents will be delivered between September 9-22 and voting closes on election day on October 11.

By Jonathan Leask