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
Richard Woolgar
Why I'm standing
I am running because I believe working people deserve a stronger voice on council. I want the working voice to be heard. Too often, council decisions are made without considering the people who keep our community moving, the tradies, nurses, drivers and everyday workers. I want to bring practical experience, common sense and accountability to the table, and make sure council serves the people, not the other way around.
About me
I am a worker, husband and father with years of experience in the water and engineering sectors. I have led teams, solved complex problems and worked alongside the people who keep our city running. I value honesty, hard work and common sense, and I am not afraid to speak up for what is right. I understand the challenges working people face. I will bring practical experience, clear thinking and a strong voice for everyday residents.
My priorities
- Fix roads, water and wastewater before funding non-essential projects.
- Hold evening and weekend meetings so working people can have their say.
- Upgrade the recycling plant to take regional waste and generate revenue to ease pressure on ratepayers.
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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