Palmerston North City Council
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.
Palmerston North City Council candidates
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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
Nelson Harper
Why I'm standing
I love this city, and I want to help make sure it stays vibrant, connected, and resilient. I want to get the basics right while also fuelling innovation and growth. I believe a functional city is not enough. I believe we need a thriving economy and vibrant community life.
About me
My background combines chemical and bioprocess engineering, science, business ownership, and governance. Through my company, Precycle NZ, I work with councils and businesses across the country to solve complex challenges in sustainability and innovation. I have spent years getting my hands dirty – cleaning streams, sorting waste at events, and putting Palmy on the map internationally. Having a seat at the council table will enable me to take this work further and make real, lasting change.
My priorities
- Support local business and innovation to create jobs, attract investment, and grow the city.
- Protect environment and drive sustainability for a cleaner, safer and resilient city.
- Create a vibrant city with better recreation activities, more and cheaper parking, and less parking fines.
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.
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