about Nigel

White graphic with bold text that reads "Building Nelson's Future."

Independent Candidate for Nelson City Council
Visionary leadership. Real-world results.

Nigel Skeggs, standing for Nelson City Council, standing outdoors near a body of water with trees and greenery in the background.

I’m Nigel Skeggs, and I’m standing as an independent candidate for Nelson City Council in the at large ward.

I live in Nelson South with my wife Susan and our daughters, Ashley and Zoe who are both attending Nelson College for Girls.

I bring over two decades of hands-on leadership experience in the maritime, tourism, and infrastructure sectors—both here in New Zealand and across the Pacific.

Since 2021, I’ve led Nelson Marina through a transformational period as its Manager and now as CEO of Nelson Marina Management Limited. Under my leadership, we’ve transitioned into a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO), launched a $120 million masterplan, and delivered key projects such as the new public promenade—on time and on budget. I am currently the Vice President of the New Zealand Marina Industries Association.

A marina with boats and yachts docked on calm water, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, and a waterfront area with buildings and palm trees in the background.

Before moving home to Nelson, I was Managing Director of Port Denarau Marina in Fiji, where I grew the business from a small facility into a $100 million hub for superyachts and marine tourism. This work revolutionised Fiji’s maritime tourism industry, earning multiple “International Marina of the Year” awards, and being inducted into the industry Hall of Fame.

During the 14 years we were living in Fiji I was also the Chairman of the Fiji Maritime Safety Authority, Denarau Island and Sea Mercy Fiji, Director of several companies and Vice President of the Fiji New Zealand Business Council.

With a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from the University of Otago, and qualifications from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Marina Industries Association, I combine practical expertise with strong governance.

My campaign is grounded in three core values:


• Value for Your Rates – Smarter spending and better returns
• Economic & Social Development – Reinvigorating our city and waterfront
• Environmental Stewardship – Protecting our land and ocean for future generations

I believe in unlocking Nelson’s potential with vision, planning, and action. I know how to get big projects done—and done right.

CV