South Wairarapa District Council

The South Wairarapa District 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 ten councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). three councillors will be elected from the Martinborough ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the South Wairarapa District Council election.

South Wairarapa District Council candidates

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Rob Taylor

Experienced Decision Maker

Why I'm standing

I'm proud to call Martinborough my home. South Wairarapa is one of the best regions in New Zealand in which to live and I want it to prosper and grow. But we've all seen the consequences of weak leadership, years of underinvestment in infrastructure, rising rates, deferred decisions, businesses under strain and lost opportunities. The status quo isn't working. We need a council that shows up, listens, and puts the community first.

About me

I've spent most of my working life in public service with twenty of those in senior roles, most recently as deputy chief executive with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Through this, I've learned how to ask tough questions, make hard calls, and focus on what matters. Sometimes that meant cutting back, but often it meant fighting to protect services people rely on. That's the experience I will bring to the council table.

My priorities

  1. Fix the essentials and get things done by sorting out infrastructure and keeping rates affordable.
  2. Support and promote economic opportunities to build the rates base and generate jobs.
  3. Advocate strongly by using senior public sector experience to push Wellington on issues that matter.

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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