A total of 36 candidates are standing for Nelson City Council in the 2025 local elections.

Four candidates are standing for the position of mayor, nine for the ‘at large’ councillor vacancies, 13 for the Central Ward, and nine for the Stoke-Tāhunanui Ward.

The Whakatū Māori Ward was uncontested so Councillor Kahu Paki Paki will retain his seat.

A full list of candidates is available here.

“Putting your name in the ring is not an easy decision, whether you’re an experienced councillor or running for the first time. Our elected members play a huge role within our community and will be tasked with making informed decisions that greatly influence the lives of Nelsonians and our city’s future. It’s a big responsibility, and I am sure that we will end up with a committed group of councillors and a mayor who will do their absolute best for Nelson,” says Chief Executive Nigel Philpott.

Those wanting to learn more about the candidates will be able to view their profile videos and statements on Council’s website and YouTube channel before voting opens on 9 September. Candidate statements will also be included with voting papers.

The 2025 local elections in Nelson will be run the same way as in 2022. Voters will elect a mayor and 12 councillors using a mixed-ward system, and voting will follow the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.

Following legislative changes in 2024, Council was required to decide whether to retain or remove its Māori Ward for the 2025 local elections and Council term. Council chose to retain the ward.

As part of the legislative changes, where councils chose to retain their Māori ward for 2025, a poll is now required to be held alongside their local election. This means Nelson voters will also be asked whether to keep or remove the Māori Ward.

The results of the poll will be binding on Council and will apply for the 2028 and 2031 elections (and associated Council terms). Find out more about Council’s Māori Ward and poll here.

Voters can check which ward they are in using our interactive ward map, and our short animations explain how STV works and how to fill in a ballot paper using the voting system. 

Voters interested in participating in the election should make sure they are enrolled to vote by 10 October 2025 and that their details are up to date. Visit vote.nz to enrol or update your details. People who enrol after 1 August will need to apply for a special vote. More information on how to apply here.

Candidates and voters are encouraged to visit Council’s website for more information. 

Candidates standing for election

Standing for mayor (1 Vacancy) 

1. Aaron Stallard (Independent)
2. John Wakelin (Lower Rates)
3. Nick Smith (Independent)
4. Richard Osmaston (Money Free Party New Zealand)

Standing for Council – At Large (3 Vacancies)

1. Aaron Stallard (Independent)
2. Anne Michele Dickinson
3. Chris Baillie (Independent)
4. Graeme K Tyree (Independent)
5. Jeremy Matthews
6. Keith Palmer
7. Nigel Skeggs (Independent)
8. Susa Guhl (Independent)
9. Tim Skinner

Standing for Council – Central Ward (4 Vacancies) 

1. Anton Hyman
2. David North
3. Jackie Galland
4. James Hodgson (Independent)
5. Lisa Austin (Let's Be Ready for Tomorrow - Today)
6. Lenny Blake
7. Marie Lindaya (Weaving a Stronger Nelson for 2025)
8. Matty Anderson (Independent)
9. Mike Ward
10. Pete Rainey (Independent)
11. Sand McDougall (Independent)
12. Steph Phillips (Independent)
13. Tilman Walk (Independent)

Standing for Council – Stoke-Tāhunanui Ward (4 Vacancies) 

1. Campbell Rollo (Independent)
2. Dan Robinson (Independent)
3. Guy Coulson
4. Mel Courtney (Independent)
5. Mike Nicholls (Independent)
6. Paul Lacy
7. Sarah Kerby (Labour)
8. Trudie Brand
9. Valmai Palatchie (Independent)

Standing for Council - Whakatū Māori Ward (1 Vacancy) 

Kahu Paki Paki

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