ACT Local has selected John Bolt, a long‑time South Canterbury dairy farmer and father, as its candidate for the Timaru Ward of the Timaru District Council in this year’s local election.

Originally from the Waikato, John made South Canterbury his home 20 years ago and has farmed in Temuka ever since. A lifetime in dairy farming has taught him how to make tough decisions, manage through challenging circumstances, and plan for the long term – skills he believes are vital for good local government.

John is standing to bring a practical, people‑focused voice to council. He believes in well‑considered, long‑term decisions that benefit the whole community, not short‑term thinking or political games.

“Farming has taught me to plan for the long term, make tough calls when they’re needed, and always look after the people around you.

"Those lessons matter in local government too. I want Timaru to be a district where rural and urban communities are supported to get ahead, where rates are spent carefully on the things that really matter – safe roads, reliable water, and strong local services.

"Council needs to deliver value for every dollar, cut waste, and make decisions that respect everyone equally. I’ll bring that practical, no‑nonsense approach to council so our district can thrive now and for the next generation.” – John Bolt

Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects.

When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting:

• Fixing the basics
• Lower Rates
• Cutting the waste
• Ending race-based politics
• Restoring accountability
• Stopping the war on cars

ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says:

“ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who’ve had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It’s time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won’t divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They’re here to serve, not lecture." – Cameron Luxton

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