NZ Local Elections 2025

Southland District Council

Waiau Aparima Ward
The Southland 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 12 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). three councillors will be elected from the Waiau Aparima 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 Southland District Council election.

Candidates

Policies

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Don Byars

Don Byars

Stevey Chernishov

Stevey Chernishov

Jaspreet Boparai

Jaspreet Boparai

Michael Weusten

Michael Weusten

Stevey Chernishov

Stevey Chernishov

Why I'm standing

I'm running to empower Southlanders — keeping decisions local, fostering innovation, and building a resilient future where our communities thrive with purpose, enterprise and opportunity.

About me

I will make a good elected representative because I combine grassroots experience with vision and action. As a teacher, entrepreneur and community advocate, I know how to connect people, spark innovation and deliver real outcomes. Born and raised in Invercargill with deep Southern roots, I understand our challenges and opportunities. I stand for transparency, smart investment and local decision-making — ensuring Southland's future is resilient, purposeful and thriving for generations to come.

My priorities
  1. Keep decisions local by ensuring our assets and resources are managed here by us with transparency.
  2. Plan wisely to avoid unnecessary debt while funding infrastructure, innovation and enterprise.
  3. Empower local businesses, farmers and enterprise so the region thrives with purpose and confidence.
Why I'm standing

I'm running to empower Southlanders — keeping decisions local, fostering innovation, and building a resilient future where our communities thrive with purpose, enterprise and opportunity.

About me

I will make a good elected representative because I combine grassroots experience with vision and action. As a teacher, entrepreneur and community advocate, I know how to connect people, spark innovation and deliver real outcomes. Born and raised in Invercargill with deep Southern roots, I understand our challenges and opportunities. I stand for transparency, smart investment and local decision-making — ensuring Southland's future is resilient, purposeful and thriving for generations to come.

My priorities
  1. Keep decisions local by ensuring our assets and resources are managed here by us with transparency.
  2. Plan wisely to avoid unnecessary debt while funding infrastructure, innovation and enterprise.
  3. Empower local businesses, farmers and enterprise so the region thrives with purpose and confidence.

Mayor

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Local council

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Regional council

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Local board

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