NZ Local Elections 2025

Otago Regional Council

Dunstan Constituency
The Otago Regional Council makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of 12 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). four councillors will be elected from the Dunstan  constituency. 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 Otago Regional Council election.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Matt Hollyer

Matt Hollyer

Ben Farrell

Ben Farrell

Nicky Rhodes

Nicky Rhodes

Vision Otago

Neil Gillespie

Neil Gillespie

Amie Pont

Amie Pont

Independent

Gary Kelliher

Gary Kelliher

Vision Otago

Michael Laws

Michael Laws

Vision Otago

Amie Pont

Independent

Amie Pont

Independent

Why I'm standing

My experience in land advisory for Central Government, various governance roles, work with catchment groups and many volunteer community roles has motivated me to bring a rural voice to a regional role. Otago is a special place and we need to ensure the balance between growth and wellbeing is met – for our land, environment and our people. Running for ORC is the next step on my pathway to serve.

About me

I am process driven, transparency focused and believe in quality communication. I have constantly proven I am committed to my community and that extends to the region as a whole. We need to be able to trust that our leaders are making decisions in our best interest. I am passionate about what we are leaving behind for our next generations. Careful, balanced and heartfelt decision making must be at the core.

My priorities
  1. Provide a voice for rural communities in the face of rapid development and changing legislation.
  2. Listen to not talk at ratepayers because the people of Otago must be heard.
  3. Make decisions based on quality communication and full transparency, not facilitated box ticking.
Residence

Kyeburn, Māniatoto

Age

47

Connect via
Why I'm standing

My experience in land advisory for Central Government, various governance roles, work with catchment groups and many volunteer community roles has motivated me to bring a rural voice to a regional role. Otago is a special place and we need to ensure the balance between growth and wellbeing is met – for our land, environment and our people. Running for ORC is the next step on my pathway to serve.

About me

I am process driven, transparency focused and believe in quality communication. I have constantly proven I am committed to my community and that extends to the region as a whole. We need to be able to trust that our leaders are making decisions in our best interest. I am passionate about what we are leaving behind for our next generations. Careful, balanced and heartfelt decision making must be at the core.

My priorities
  1. Provide a voice for rural communities in the face of rapid development and changing legislation.
  2. Listen to not talk at ratepayers because the people of Otago must be heard.
  3. Make decisions based on quality communication and full transparency, not facilitated box ticking.
Residence

Kyeburn, Māniatoto

Age

47

Connect via

Mayor

Compare the mayoral candidates in your area

Explore

Local council

Compare the candidates for your city or district council

Explore

Regional council

Compare the candidates for your regional council

Explore

Local board

Compare the candidates for your local or community board

Explore