Should I stand or should I go?
Nelson’s mayor Nick Smith is eyeing a second term in the top job, but at least two of his city council colleagues are considering challenging him.
The local body election will take place on October 11 this year, with nominations opening on July 1.
When asked this week what their intentions were, the current Nelson City councillors had mixed responses.
Smith was the quickest to respond, saying he still had work to do as mayor, and while he would make a final decision in June “the only reason my intention to re-stand would change would be if there is an unexpected health or family issue”.
Aaron Stallard also confirmed an intention to stand in the central ward – but said he was also contemplating a tilt at mayor.
“I will consider standing for mayor if there is no strong progressive mayoral candidate.”
Deputy Mayor Rohan O’Neill-Stevens – who came third in the 2022 mayoral race – was still weighing his options.
“I have still not made a decision on whether to stand for re-election and/or the mayoralty.”
Meanwhile, two-term councillor Rachel Sanson said she would not be seeking re-election.
“This work comes at some personal cost, and I give it everything! After losing my Mum and father-in-law in the past two years, I’m intending to step back from council this term.”
Nelson councillors’ intentions for 2025
Nick Smith, mayor
Smith planned to stand for another term, and will officially decide and set his “ambitions for the city” in June.
“I want to maintain the momentum of council’s work until then without being distracted by campaigning. I am proud of the progress we have made in fixing the damage from the August ‘22 storm this term. We have started work on proposals for revitalising the city that I would want to deliver in the next term.”
Rohan O’Neill-Stevens, deputy mayor
O’Neill-Stevens was elected as an at large councillor in 2022 and was appointed deputy mayor by Smith.
Being a councillor was “the privilege of a lifetime, and deserves careful consideration by anyone who would seek to lead”, he said.
“While I am confident of my energy and passion to continue working for our city, I am still having conversations about who else might be interested in standing for council and continuing to evaluate whether it is the most effective position for me to be in, particularly with recent and proposed Government actions undermining the effectiveness of local decision making.”
He would make an announcement by June at the latest, he said.
Matty Anderson, councillor (Central ward)
Anderson said he would like to stand again, but was still making a decision.
“It has been a privilege to serve … I reckon I’ve learnt, gained confidence, and will do an even better job next term. I haven’t locked this in yet.”
It was a “serious decision” and he would need to consider his family, he said.
“I find local government a very strange beast. Service and my community is very important, and I will spend the next couple of months ensuring running again is in everyone’s best interest.”
Trudie Brand, councillor (Stoke-Tāhunanui ward)
Brand said she was “leaning towards running as a councillor again – though I haven’t yet decided on a specific ward or whether I’ll run at large”.
“I’ll make the final call once nominations open in July. For now, I’m staying focused on my current council responsibilities, rather than diving into campaign mode.”
Mel Courtney, councillor (Stoke-Tāhunanui ward)
Courtney would be seeking another term representing the Stoke-Tāhunanui ward, with a focus on navigating through challenging times ahead, “particularly in managing its debt and expenditures” and living within the council’s means.
“We need to closely monitor spending and exercise better control over the ratepayer money that we manage.”
Key issues would include underground infrastructure, housing affordability, and transport transport, he said.
“I am committed to working toward a prosperous, safe, healthy, caring, inclusive, and resilient community in Nelson.”
James Hodgson, councillor (Central ward)
Hodgson said he would “love” to stand again in the central ward but needed to be sure he could balance the role with family life.
“[My family] are my highest priority, and with the arrival of our third child due this April, I am mindful that my focus may need to shift.”
He was proud of what the council had achieved in his first term, and could also “see where I might take a different approach in future”.
“I feel I still have more to offer, and I hope that I’ll be able to put myself forward to serve our community on council again.”
Kahu Paki Paki, councillor (Māori ward)
Paki Paki said he would only stand again with the full endorsement of community and iwi.
“This is about Whakatū and the best outcomes for our community, not about me.”
He had stood in 2022 after being asked to do so by his community at a “difficult and critical moment that meant a level of sacrifice I was not quite ready to make but I saw how our community could benefit from the experience and qualifications I would bring to the table”.
The spotlight on the Māori Ward brought a “disproportionate level of scrutiny and attention”, which had been “exacerbated” by central government changes, he said.
Campbell Rollo, councillor (Stoke-Tāhunanui ward)
Rollo said he hoped to be elected for a “second go” and was focused on a community-driven approach.
“I’m passionate about strengthening the connection between the council and our community, ensuring ratepayers’ voices are heard.”
He was focused on crucial infrastructure, sustainable transport, accessibility, and maintaining and enhancing local sports facilities, he said.
“I’m deeply connected to this community I am proud of the work I am doing here … This connection, combined with my passion for community service and a clear vision for the future, drives me to make Stoke-Tāhunanui a thriving, well connected, and sustainable place for all of us.”
Rachel Sanson, councillor
Sanson said she hoped to see “progressive, capable, and community-minded people step up and stand for election” and was happy to chat to anyone considering standing.
“I’m proud to have strongly advocated (with some success) for: ending clear-fell forestry in our public reserves, more community and affordable housing, strengthening partnership with iwi, a resilient site for our new library/community hub, enduring access to recreational trails for bikers and walkers, pest cat control, better public and active transport, and more.”
Tim Skinner, councillor
Skinner, who also ran for mayor in 2022, confirmed he would be restanding as a councillor at large.
“I greatly enjoy the role, both at the council table and advocating out in the community.
“My reasons and passion for representing Nelson are the same as when I first stood. Championing for families and local businesses of Nelson, social justice issues, housing concerns, and the well-being of our youth.”
Aaron Stallard, councillor (Central ward)
Stallard said he felt he had made a “meaningful contribution and aims to go even further as a returning councillor” building on the experience he had gained this term.
“I intend to work hard to implement the climate change strategy and forestry transition, support the retention of the Māori ward and civic investment, advance safe transport choices including the East-West cycleway, and take a fresh look at our management of steep land in light of the August 2022 flood event with a focus on mitigating slips, erosion, and sedimentation in our waterways to ensure our rivers are healthy and aquatic life is able to thrive.”
Pete Rainey, councillor (Central ward)
Did not respond.
Matthew Benge, councillor (Stoke-Tāhunanui ward)
Did not respond.
By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail
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