
Nelson electorate
Nelson is currently represented by National's Nick Smith, who won comfortably with a margin of 4,283. In 2017, Labour won the largest share of Nelson's party votes – 42% to National's 39%. Boundary changes this year mean the electorate no longer includes Brightwater. Nelson is the only electorate that has existed continuously since NZ's first parliament in 1854.

My local priorities
Advocate for income splitting to give Nelson families more money to spend back into the community. Work with key community stakeholders on pollution solutions to keep our town sustainably beautiful. Take action to get infrastructure decisions made so Nelsonians are enjoying their city and not wasting time in cars. Why I’m running
We are losing our freedoms in New Zealand. Generations went before us and fought for our country and our freedoms and they are being slowly but surely eroded. The current government is actually fast-tracking this. I want to be elected because our democracy is in trouble and I want to be part of the solution. Citizens initiated referendums have been ignored and the state is now taking the right to parent out of our hands. I want a free and fair New Zealand.About me
I'm a proud New Zealander and 'mainlander'. I grew up in Canterbury but came to Nelson for holidays and when given the opportunity to move to Nelson after 10 years overseas and in Auckland, with 3 children, I grabbed it! (15 years ago.) I have owned a business, worked in many industries and believe in governance and process. I am passionate about fairness and giving people their chance to speak. I will work tirelessly to give New Zealand a fully functioning democracy and common sense values.Party list rank
No response givenFirst entered parliament
Not previously in parliament2017 electorate result
6th in NelsonBefore politics
Import managerPlace of residence
WakapuakaAge
47
My local priorities
Provide better funding to primary health for better health outcomes. Reduce health bureaucracy so that more money filters down to providing more grass roots health providers. Continue to push for better houses for all people to reduce associated health issues. Why I’m running
To be a voice in government for the most vulnerable and to provide a better delivery of primary health.About me
As a general practitioner with over 30 years experience in primary health I bring a wealth of understanding and knowledge to this sector in order to bring better grassroot health outcomes. Party list rank
3First entered parliament
Not previously in parliament2017 electorate result
Did not standBefore politics
Medical DoctorPlace of residence
Springlands, BlenheimAge
60
My local priorities
Reinstate local decision-making. Encourage freedom and access to the outdoors. Promote Nelson as a centre of wellbeing and an example to NZ and the world. Why I’m running
Imagine Nelson, and New Zealand as a center of integrated well-being, localism and regenerative farming where people, communities and nature are connected, and where decisions are made to ensure all can thrive. Imagine educating people to think, create, and be valued for uniqueness, diversity and innovative community solutions. Imagine if science and economics were transparent, and ethics and values were considered in decision-making. Imagine if people were put before corporations. This is why.About me
I'm a strategist, lawyer, solo mum, adventurer with a history of empowering communities and niche businesses to successfully challenge the status quo. I love Nelson and New Zealand, our outdoors, culture and people. I've overcome many challenges and would love to share my expertise to turn the current system inside out to restore not only power but also hope and inspiration to the people and New Zealand.Party list rank
1First entered parliament
Not previously in parliament2017 electorate result
Did not standBefore politics
Self-employed lawyer and strategistPlace of residence
AtawhaiAge
57
My local priorities
Flatten the house price curve to make our housing and rents affordable again over time. Introduce a universal basic Income of $250/week to make work pay and remove the welfare trap that punishes effort. Encourage more investment in businesses by broadening the tax base to achieve a higher standard of living for everyone. Why I’m running
In 2017 I voted for TOP. I thought that would be enough to get TOP in to parliament and enable them to enact the bold change needed to confront and address the underlying drivers of NZ's 'severely unaffordable' housing and its wide-reaching impacts on the economy. It wasn't enough. My options were either to vote for them again and expect a different outcome, or put my name forward as a candidate. In order to play my part in fixing the long-term systemic issues in this country, I have chosen the latter.About me
I am an entrepreneur, mechatronics engineer and founder of a small business based in Nelson that develops, manufactures and exports a high-tech, high value product to elite-level athletes in overseas markets. I bring a penchant for systems thinking and an entrepreneurial, get-it-done attitude. I'm not afraid to tackle our long term systemic issues head-on, focusing on best-practice, evidence-based solutions that address the root causes rather than dealing only to the symptoms.Party list rank
4First entered parliament
Not previously in parliament2017 electorate result
Did not standBefore politics
Managing director, engineerPlace of residence
NelsonAge
33
Bruce Dyer
The Progressive Party
Not currently in parliament
My local priorities
Establish a just minimum wage to cover the basic needs for food, clothing, housing, medical care and education. Establish a state-owned enterprise to maximise construction of affordable housing Replace income tax & GST with royalties on industrial production, selective tariffs to help develop local manufacturing. Why I’m running
I have been inspired by a holistic socio-economic theory called PROUT that acknowledges that in addition to our physical and mental dimensions we have a spiritual dimension. Running as a candidate for the Progressive Party provides an opportunity to put this holistic approach on New Zealand's electoral map. It informs all our policies and offers the promise of transforming our society.About me
Caring for my family and doing what I can to make the world a better place has been central to my endeavours. Meditation has played an important part in this. I have lived in the Nelson region most of my life, had a Churchill Fellowship that studied the habilitation of offenders, in 2017 completed an MPhil that looked the region being more self-reliant, have managed the Nelson Enterprise Loan Trust making 300 loans to small ethical businesses in the region for the past 23 years with 98 percent recovered.Party list rank
No response givenFirst entered parliament
Not previously in parliament2017 electorate result
Did not standBefore politics
Managing an enterprise loan trustPlace of residence
Motueka ValleyAge
78
My local priorities
Why I’m running
No response givenAbout me
No response givenParty list rank
4First entered parliament
Not previously in parliament2017 electorate result
Did not standBefore politics
No response givenPlace of residence
No response givenAge
No response given
My local priorities
Ensure Nelson's coastal vs. inland road solution matches that of what the majority of Nelsonians want. Ensure that mental health support in schools of all ages is ramped up, through funding and dynamic community involvement. Establish a mechanism by which local people provide local solutions to local issues. Why I’m running
For too long New Zealand has been sold out to offshore investors by career politicians, who care more about their careers than they do about their local communities. New Zealand is a unique slice of paradise that should be treated as such. Her people should be free to enjoy all she has to offer without the dictates of undemocratic commitments made by the current and previous governments. The mechanisms of the New Zealand political system need restructuring. I am committed to this cause.About me
Born and raised in Nelson, I have spent much of my adult life in the helping professions: ministry, counselling, coaching, consultancy and professional supervision. I pride myself in understanding the way people do things and why they do these things. This interpersonal dynamics approach is rarely factored into today's politics. I believe that if each person did so, we would all be living in a better world, so each day, regardless of what it is I am doing, I take on that challenge.Party list rank
9First entered parliament
Not previously in parliament2017 electorate result
Did not standBefore politics
Manager, not for profitPlace of residence
NelsonAge
36
My local priorities
Revitalise central Nelson via high-density housing and pedestrianisation as an amazing place to live, work, and play. Transform Nelson's transport network to ensure cycling/walking and public transport are the best options for all. Prioritise community developments that are consistent with our low-carbon, people-friendly future. Why I’m running
I'm standing for the Greens in Nelson because it has become apparent that everyday people must drive the changes needed to ensure thriving communities, healthy nature, and sustainable systems that enhance the prospects of our children and their children. The problems posed by inequality and environmental degradation, including climate change, require us all to stand and make our voices heard. I believe in a vision that respects all life and protects our ecosystems now and far into the future.About me
I grew up in a solo-mother household with two sisters, in a state house in Nelson. I have a PhD in geology and have worked in the UK, Australia, and Japan. In 2006 I started a scientific editing business that employs 35 staff and serves clients worldwide. My background, from depending on social support and then moving beyond that and working as a research geologist with knowledge of Earth's natural systems, has shaped my values and led me to work toward social and environmental justice.Party list rank
41First entered parliament
Not previously in parliament2017 electorate result
Did not standBefore politics
Geologist/scientific editorPlace of residence
Nelson SouthAge
49
My local priorities
Advocate for decent well-paid jobs and education to support Nelson's economic recovery from Covid-19. Improve Nelson's infrastructure, including a new hospital, affordable housing, and better public transport. Work with local councils, business, iwi and the community to address climate change and protect our environment. Why I’m running
I want Nelson to be a place of opportunity so that our young people can see a future in the region for them and their families. I know what it's like to be a renter and first home buyer in Nelson. I'll prioritise affordable housing and decent, well-paid jobs. I am motivated to protect our environment and address climate change, so that future generations can enjoy our stunning region. I will also be a champion for better mental health services in Nelson.About me
I'm a local community leader and have worked and volunteered in the Nelson community. I sit on a number of local governance boards, and have experience working in employment, education, and health and safety. I'm a trained singer, have a music degree from the University of Auckland and am a former member of the New Zealand Youth Choir. I am chair of Labour's Policy Council. As your MP, I'll be a strong and positive voice for Nelson in a Jacinda Ardern Labour government.Party list rank
57First entered parliament
Not previously in parliament2017 electorate result
2nd in NelsonBefore politics
Health and safety coordinatorPlace of residence
Nelson SouthAge
40
My local priorities
Jobs and economic recovery from Covid-19. Investing in Nelson infrastructure – new hospital, roading, Waimea Community Dam completion. Loss of control of key public services – like NMIT and DHB – opposing centralisation to Wellington. Why I’m running
I love Nelson and the opportunities the role gives me to help Nelson families and businesses. I am committed to making sure that Nelson remains the best little city in the world.About me
I have strong values that drive my support for family, enterprise, community and our environment. I am in the unique position of having long term experience and insight as to how our system works and how to get things done.Party list rank
18First entered parliament
19902017 electorate result
Won NelsonBefore politics
Civil Engineer, PhD on LandslidesPlace of residence
Annesbrook, NelsonAge
55