Ticking his own name on the ballot for his first time voting in a general election was “exhilarating” for Waitaki electorate Labour candidate Ethan Reille.

The 19-year-old said on Wednesday (October 11), to be standing as a candidate in the first election he is eligible to vote in was pretty unique.

“So, a bit of a strange feeling seeing my name on the tick box, but it's really humbling as well.” 

With the official election day on Saturday, he was feeling “quite rested”, which he admitted was an odd feeling to have on the final week.

“But you get to sort of the last couple of weeks, and you really reflect on the past six months, and realise you have done everything you possibly can do, and you've just got to seek comfort in that.”

His team’s final days are being spent encouraging people to get to booths and cast their vote, he said. 

Ethan is feeling grateful for the support he has been getting, and the “incredible team of volunteers” behind him.

He was excited to be spending the final week of the campaign in his hometown of Ōamaru.

National candidate for Waitaki, Miles Anderson said he is looking forward to the end of the campaign.

He describes himself as “a bit of a traditionalist” and will be voting this Saturday, the official election day.

“It's been a terrific experience and I have enjoyed meeting people from throughout the electorate.”

Miles will gather with friends/family and supporters on Saturday night in Ōamaru and watch as results come in, he said.

On his social media, he said the journey since he threw his hat in the ring in February was not quite what he expected, but he had loved it. 

“I have loved meeting thousands of people in this time. The stories shared and the amazing people that make up this electorate are what have kept me focussed and passionate about making a real change this election,” he said.

He thanked people for sharing their worries, concerns, happy times and tough times with him.

“I will continue to work hard for you, should I be lucky enough for you to vote for me this election.”

National candidate for Waitaki Miles Anderson (left) on the campaign trail. PHOTO: Supplied/Facebook

DemocracyNZ candidate Roger Small also thanked Waitaki residents for engaging with him as he travelled the electorate seeking support for himself and DemocracyNZ.  

“I just urge everyone to vote with courage and boldness this election so we can get a coalition of common sense into Government,” he said.

“Nothing is more important than having affordable food on the table, a roof over our heads, access to good healthcare and maintaining our beautiful country. 

“Everyday of campaigning I see and hear of covid vaccine injuries which has been most alarming to me. What has happened to our caring society when these people are shunned by our ACC system and politicians?”  

Roger said his experience as a candidate has been very worthwhile, as it enabled him to listen to people’s issues and celebrate successes, but he was also able to make residents aware of issues mainstream media would not report on.

“I encourage anyone who has a will to make our country better to have a go as a candidate, it is a worthwhile experience,” he said.

Act candidate Sean Beamish, Greens candidate Pleasance Hansen, and Ray Bailey for NZLoyal did not respond to the Waitaki App’s request for comment before this article went to print.

To find where in the Waitaki you can go to cast your vote, click here.