NZ Local Elections 2025

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.

Candidates

Policies

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Nick Smith

Nick Smith

Independent

Richard Osmaston

Richard Osmaston

Money Free Party New Zealand

Aaron Stallard

Aaron Stallard

Independent

John Wakelin

John Wakelin

Lower Rates

Nick Smith

Independent

| Mayor

Nick Smith

Independent

| Mayor

Why I'm standing

I love Nelson – its creative spirit, diverse businesses, caring community, active lifestyle and natural beauty. I want to continue my work as mayor in advocating for the city, helping people, backing local businesses and making council work better. My priority last term was fixing the city after the devastating 2022 storm. My future priority is city revitalisation, economic recovery and keeping rates affordable for families and businesses.

About me

My 38 years experience in local and central government means I know how the system works and how to get results for Nelson. Examples in the last three years from the previous and current government include helping secure $12 million for storm recovery, over $500 million for Nelson's hospital redevelopment, $3 million for the Tahunanui Beach contamination cleanup, $5 million for a rain radar and $9 million for improving flood protection on the Maitai River.

My priorities
  1. Cap future rate increases at not more than 5% so as to alleviate cost pressures on households.
  2. Revitalise the central city by investing and attracting development, visitors, students and events.
  3. Secure a regional deal with government to help grow sectors like Nelson’s marine industries.
Current role

Mayor

Before politics

Wind Energy Project Engineer

Residence

Annesbrook

Age

60

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Why I'm standing

I love Nelson – its creative spirit, diverse businesses, caring community, active lifestyle and natural beauty. I want to continue my work as mayor in advocating for the city, helping people, backing local businesses and making council work better. My priority last term was fixing the city after the devastating 2022 storm. My future priority is city revitalisation, economic recovery and keeping rates affordable for families and businesses.

About me

My 38 years experience in local and central government means I know how the system works and how to get results for Nelson. Examples in the last three years from the previous and current government include helping secure $12 million for storm recovery, over $500 million for Nelson's hospital redevelopment, $3 million for the Tahunanui Beach contamination cleanup, $5 million for a rain radar and $9 million for improving flood protection on the Maitai River.

My priorities
  1. Cap future rate increases at not more than 5% so as to alleviate cost pressures on households.
  2. Revitalise the central city by investing and attracting development, visitors, students and events.
  3. Secure a regional deal with government to help grow sectors like Nelson’s marine industries.
Current role

Mayor

Before politics

Wind Energy Project Engineer

Residence

Annesbrook

Age

60

Connect via

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