What is your top priority for the ward in which you are standing for election?
Trudie Brand: Strong community engagement, keeping rates affordable, and promoting a sustainable future. I believe listening closely and working collaboratively, I’m able to deliver practical solutions that genuinely benefit everyone in our ward.
Mel Courtney: Council rates kept under control; achieved in part by a cap on rates and debt and putting a stop to wasteful spending. Lower speed limits are necessary in the vicinity of the Stoke/Tāhunanui villages.
Sarah Kerby: Tackling the cost of living by supporting affordable housing, improving transport options, and investing in local services so families thrive, and our community remains strong, connected, and affordable.
Paul Lacy: To listen to what this community wants and needs, and feed back to the council, because they feel they are not getting heard by council.
Mike Nicholls: Control rate increases. I have yet to meet a ratepayer who is happy with what they’re paying.
Valmai Palatchie: Restoring public trust through transparency, while keeping rates low, supporting small businesses, and building safer communities. I stand with Bisley/Moana residents and will push for real, lasting solutions without delay.
Dan Robinson: Affordability, transparency, accountability – promoting these ends for the benefit of Stoke-Tāhunanui as well as Nelson City.
What is your opinion on this year’s average rates increase (6.5%)? Do you feel it’s justified and, if so, why? Or do you feel it’s too high and, if so, what specifically should the council reduce spending on?
Trudie Brand: The 6.5% rates increase reflects community input in the Long-Term Plan consultation. Every voice counts. As one vote among many, I champion cost-effective solutions and am committed to responsibly representing our community’s priorities and interests.
Mel Courtney: Yes, Nelson has been recovering from severe weather events in August 2022 and a subsequent event early 2023. There have been significant infrastructure projects completed during this period, including repairs to 800 slips, 300 serious.
Sarah Kerby: After speaking with thousands of Nelsonians at their doorstep, cost of living is top of mind. A 6.5% rise is too high and council must balance lower rates with responsible investment in essential infrastructure.
Paul Lacy: I do not agree with the rate increase; it should have been linked to inflation at best. Council’s first priority is to essential infrastructure and then everything else follows. Redevelopment of waterfront is not essential.
Mike Nicholls: I feel while the rate increase of 6.5% was justified, it’s not sustainable. 5% of ratepayers are now in arrears or not paying. Yes, it’s going to hurt but spending has to be controlled.
Valmai Palatchie: 6.5% rate rise is too high. Council must focus on core infrastructure and safety. I know from experience there are smarter ways to find savings, cut waste, streamline drawn out consultations and keep rises to– [exceeded word limit]
Dan Robinson: It might be justifiable, but it is still too high and people have had enough. A whole-of-council approach will be needed to right the course.
Will you vote to retain or disestablish the district’s Māori ward in the referendum, and why?
Trudie Brand: I support retaining Māori wards to ensure visible, inclusive representation for all community voices.
Mel Courtney: Yes, to retain. Until 2022, the council included iwi representatives on each of its committees.
Sarah Kerby: I support Māori wards because they strengthen local democracy.
Paul Lacy: Iwi should be seen to be putting candidates forward, but don’t seem to be.
Mike Nicholls: I’m against anything race-based. Which part of my ancestry should get promoted?
Valmai Palatchie: [Did not answer]
Dan Robinson: Disestablish. There are good arguments for retention. I prefer policies not based on race.
What is something interesting about you that most people won’t be aware of?
Trudie Brand: I unplug and reset with Terry Goodkind’s fantasy and Tess Gerritsen’s thrilling novels—best me-time.
Mel Courtney: While serving as Nelson’s Member of Parliament, I was also a Nelson City councillor.
Sarah Kerby: I’ve had 22,364 local conversations on the phone or doorstep about top community issues since– [exceeded word limit]
Paul Lacy: I’m ‘Poor Dad Adventures’ on YouTube and have a disabled wife that I lovingly support.
Mike Nicholls: Dux of school twice. Prefer beard free, but love being magic Santa for the kids.
Valmai Palatchie: I earned a Social Sciences degree to change systems, and I use it every day.
Dan Robinson: I am essentially unknown, so everything! I am a first-generation Kiwi.
