Southland District Council

Mararoa Waimea Ward
The Southland District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 12 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Three councillors will be elected from the Mararoa Waimea ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Southland District Council election.

Tom O'Brien

Tom O'Brien

Why I'm standing

I'm running for council because I'm weary of the bigger picture not only our province faces but our entire country. New Zealanders place too much blind faith in the power of government and the public seems to have confidence that the state will protect them regardless of the widening risks. Societies lose their liberty when people voluntarily surrender it to some external threat. Fear is an effective tool which I reject.

About me

I would describe myself as a conservative with liberal tendencies. I try and look at the world as objectively as possible while maintaining core beliefs including self responsibility, integrity, accountability and real world experience. I believe that when the opportunity arises, take it and when it's time to go, leave. I would act as a servant for the people and make decisions based on process, due diligence and consultation.

My priorities
  1. Have councillors with internal diversity down the lines of gender, ethnicity competence and ideology.
  2. Understand that you cannot solve issues simply by throwing money at them. The opposite is often true.
  3. Lead with cohesion between the public and council with the proviso that the cause is reciprocal.
Before politics

Managing Director Welcome Rock

Residence

Garston Northern Southland

Age

48

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I'm running for council because I'm weary of the bigger picture not only our province faces but our entire country. New Zealanders place too much blind faith in the power of government and the public seems to have confidence that the state will protect them regardless of the widening risks. Societies lose their liberty when people voluntarily surrender it to some external threat. Fear is an effective tool which I reject.

About me

I would describe myself as a conservative with liberal tendencies. I try and look at the world as objectively as possible while maintaining core beliefs including self responsibility, integrity, accountability and real world experience. I believe that when the opportunity arises, take it and when it's time to go, leave. I would act as a servant for the people and make decisions based on process, due diligence and consultation.

My priorities
  1. Have councillors with internal diversity down the lines of gender, ethnicity competence and ideology.
  2. Understand that you cannot solve issues simply by throwing money at them. The opposite is often true.
  3. Lead with cohesion between the public and council with the proviso that the cause is reciprocal.
Before politics

Managing Director Welcome Rock

Residence

Garston Northern Southland

Age

48

Connect via