Mayor of Nelson

The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the city and lead the development of the council’s plans, policies and budget. The mayor appoints the deputy mayor, establishes committees for particular topics, and appoints chairs for those committees. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Nelson City Council mayoral election.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Actively engage with underrepresented communities, including adopting an open-door policy for those who wish to engage with their mayor.

    Strengthen our relationship with iwi and hapū, including their input at the initial development of projects and strategies.

    Lead more accessible engagement on key projects, by updating our communications strategy and including more localised in-person conversation

  • Bring back annual plan public consultation.

    Establish a working party made up of community and local business representatives to feedback and engage directly to council.

  • Initiate a council stand at the Nelson's Saturday Market with both elected members and staff to better engage and listen to the community.

    Improve the council culture so there is a collective responsibility to get the best from staff rather than using them for political points.

    Build the pride and culture of council so as to make it an attractive place to work, fairly remunerated and a rewarding career choice.

  • Push for the amalgamation of Nelson City and Tasman District Councils.

    Reset the culture at Nelson City Council and council's relationship with the people of Nelson. We need a more proactive, personal and collaborative approach.

    Push for more inclusive forms of public engagement, including the potential use of Citizens' Assemblies for particularly challenging issues.

  • Open discussion on changes to democratic processes around the transition to a resource-based economy. Emphasising its voluntary foundation.

    Invite community input into goals, issues and anticipated challenges to a democratic resource-based economy model.

    Consider ISO9000 type philosophy/methodology in the socio-environment arena. Discuss adoption of new equitable and sustainable operating systems.

  • Actively engage with underrepresented communities, including adopting an open-door policy for those who wish to engage with their mayor.

    Strengthen our relationship with iwi and hapū, including their input at the initial development of projects and strategies.

    Lead more accessible engagement on key projects, by updating our communications strategy and including more localised in-person conversation

  • Bring back annual plan public consultation.

    Establish a working party made up of community and local business representatives to feedback and engage directly to council.

  • Initiate a council stand at the Nelson's Saturday Market with both elected members and staff to better engage and listen to the community.

    Improve the council culture so there is a collective responsibility to get the best from staff rather than using them for political points.

    Build the pride and culture of council so as to make it an attractive place to work, fairly remunerated and a rewarding career choice.

  • Push for the amalgamation of Nelson City and Tasman District Councils.

    Reset the culture at Nelson City Council and council's relationship with the people of Nelson. We need a more proactive, personal and collaborative approach.

    Push for more inclusive forms of public engagement, including the potential use of Citizens' Assemblies for particularly challenging issues.

  • Open discussion on changes to democratic processes around the transition to a resource-based economy. Emphasising its voluntary foundation.

    Invite community input into goals, issues and anticipated challenges to a democratic resource-based economy model.

    Consider ISO9000 type philosophy/methodology in the socio-environment arena. Discuss adoption of new equitable and sustainable operating systems.