The Palmerston North City 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 15 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the city). 13 councillors will be elected from the Te Hirawanui ward. 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 Palmerston North City Council election.
Explore the candidates in your area

Eldhose Poovathumveettil Mathew
Independent

William George Wood

Atif Rahim

Nelson Harper
Independent

Leonie Hapeta

Adrian Phillips

Karen Naylor
Independent

Glen Williams
ACT Local

Lew Findlay
Independent

Jackie Wheeler
Independent

Caleb Riddick
Independent

Dave Poppelwell
Independent

Michael Paul Strachan

Orphée Mickalad
Independent

Mark Arnott

Verne Wilson
Independent

Richard Woolgar
Independent

Jeremy Craig Hoskins

Jack Koh

Wajeha Akbaryan
Independent

Lorna Johnson
Labour

Kayne John Dunlop

Zulfiqar Butt
Labour

Melanie Butler
Independent

Dave Salisbury
Independent

Kaydee Jean Zabelin
Green Party

Vaughan Dennison
Independent

Cameron Jenkins
Independent

Rachel Bowen

Billy Meehan
Independent

Tobias Wilson Nash

Hayden Fitzgerald
Independent

Quintin McGregor

Zakk Rokkanno
Independent

Brent Barrett
Green Party

Eric Judd
Independent

Mark Gunning
Independent
I'm standing because I believe Palmerston North deserves a council that works for its people. As a business owner and long-time resident, I've seen how decisions made at council affect families, jobs, and our community's future. I want to bring real-world experience, energy, and accountability to local government, ensuring ratepayers' voices are heard and respected. My motivation is simple: to serve fairly, transparently, and with the community's best interests at heart.
I will make a good representative because I bring discipline, focus, and real-world experience. As a Palmerston North businessman and former four-time national Formula Three motorcycle champion, I know what it takes to set goals, work hard, and deliver results. I employ local people and have lived here with my family for more than 20 years. I'm committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring our community's voice is always heard at council.
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.
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