NZ Local Elections 2025

Nelson City Council

The Nelson City Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also passes local regulations and makes decisions about infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage, and about the region’s resources, including water, soil and the coastline. The council is made up of 12 councillors and the mayor. four councillors will be elected from the Central ward. The other councillors will be elected from other wards or by all voters in the city. 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 election.

Nelson City Council candidates

Explore the candidates in your area

Steph Phillips

Independent

Mike Ward

Marie Lindaya

Weaving a Stronger Nelson for 2025

James Hodgson

Independent

Sand McDougall

Independent

Lisa Austin

Let's Be Ready for Tomorrow - Today

Matty Anderson

Independent

Pete Rainey

Independent

Tilman Walk

Independent

Lenny Blake

Jackie Galland

David North

Anton Hyman

David North

Why I'm standing

I need to be vigilant to ensure Nelson remains a fantastic city to live in and raise a family. I live here with my wife, Ali, a nurse, and we have raised our two children here. I want to make sure Nelson remains people focussed and family friendly, with affordable living.

About me

I have been an airline pilot for 30 years. I play in the Nelson Symphony Orchestra and am chair of the management committee. As an airline captain and committee chair, I am used to working as a team to achieve outcomes. I am practical and a realist – I can compromise without losing sight of my goals.

My priorities

  1. Encourage, through wise use of rates, a vibrant, welcoming city and support arts and sports.
  2. Ensure development is sustainable and resilient. Housing must be warm, weather tight and safe.
  3. Make everyone in Nelson feel welcome, heard and represented.

Get across the policies, candidates and parties

Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2025 local elections. Compare the candidates and policies to see where you stand.

Mayor

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Local council

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Regional council

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Local board

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