my plan for nelson

Text in black bold font that reads 'Building Nelson's Future'.

rate cap pledge

I commit to limiting any annual rate increases over the next three years to under 5% except in an extraordinary event like a natural disaster.

Close-up of fern leaves with water droplets hanging from their tips.

Value for Your Rates

Rates have been climbing year after year, but many households aren’t seeing real improvements in the services they rely on. I will:

  • Prioritise essential infrastructure like water, roads, stormwater, and public safety before spending on discretionary projects.

  • Modernise Council systems, collaborate with Tasman District Council, and pursue central government grants to increase efficiency.

  • Keep future rate increases as low as possible by cutting waste and focusing on “needs before wants.”

  • Ensure our vacant assets are utilised and developed by exploring public–private partnerships and long-term income opportunities to help supplement rates.

A white house with decorative trim, black front door, and a porch with white railings. There are two potted bushes on either side of the door, a black mailbox with the number 47, and a white picket fence with a small gate. Lavender plants are in the garden in front of the house.

Economic & Social Development

Nelson’s economy is underperforming compared to other regions. I want to see a thriving city that creates opportunity for everyone. I will:

  • Work to revitalise our city centre and support local businesses with pop-up shops, cultural events, and partnerships that bring energy back to our CBD.

  • Champion the sustainable blue economy. Our marine sector already provides thousands of jobs and 5% of the region’s GDP. By working with the industry, I will help foster innovation, training, and high-value careers.

  • Actively support world-class research institutions like the Cawthron Institute, Earth Sciences NZ, and Plant & Food Research – all of which contribute significantly to our economy, environment, and innovation pipeline. I’ll advocate for greater collaboration between Council, education providers, and industry to unlock partnerships and attract investment in applied research. Together, we can position Nelson as a national hub for environmental science, sustainable food production, and marine innovation – creating high-value, future-proof jobs.

  • Champion the mixed-use development of our waterfront, marina, and port to support industry and business – ensuring no bottlenecks for growth, while maintaining public access to the water for everyone.

  • Accelerate housing solutions by promoting urban intensification and partnering with central government and community providers to deliver affordable homes.

  • Invest in skills, apprenticeships, and youth programmes so that our young people can build their futures right here in Nelson.

Marina with sailboats and yachts docked, buildings on hillside, partly cloudy sky.

Infrastructure & Basics

Clean water, safe roads, and effective drainage aren’t luxuries – they’re the basics of a liveable city. After recent storms, people are rightly demanding results. I will:

  • Strengthen stormwater and flood protection systems to safeguard homes and businesses from extreme weather.

  • Make sure all communities – urban, suburban, and rural – receive the same level of attention and investment in core services.

A man and a young girl walking on a city sidewalk, holding hands, with cars and buildings in the background, and a large tree and hanging flower baskets nearby.

Environment & Climate Resilience

We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and I’m committed to protecting it. The 2022 storm caused tens of millions in damage – we need to prepare better. I will:

  • Restore and protect our rivers, beaches, and native biodiversity while ensuring projects are cost-effective.

  • Invest in climate adaptation – including green infrastructure and community preparedness – to build resilience to flooding and sea level rise.

  • Support low-emission transport options like walking, cycling, and public transport, making sure investments are fair and deliver real value.

  • Work with iwi and environmental groups to embed kaitiakitanga – guardianship – into all Council decisions.

Sunset over the ocean with a person walking on the beach, clouds in the sky, and mountains in the distance.

Housing & Affordability

Nelson is one of New Zealand’s least affordable places to live. Rising rents and house prices are pushing people out. I will:


• Increase supply by enabling more medium-density housing in appropriate areas and supporting community housing providers.


• Encourage well-designed mixed-use developments that make smarter use of land and resources.


• Advocate for stronger tenant protections and partner with central government to tackle homelessness and emergency housing needs.


• Make sure seniors and low-income households have access to safe, affordable homes and the support they need to thrive.

A cozy living room corner with a light blue couch decorated with beige pillows and a blanket, a French bulldog lying on a plush dog bed, a wooden side table with magazines, a tablet, and a potted monstera plant near a window.

Smart City & AI Investment

Nelson once called itself the “Smart Little City” – it’s time we lived up to that name. By embracing responsible AI and smart technologies, we can make Council more efficient, transparent, and responsive. I will:


• Champion the development of a Digital Twin for Nelson – a virtual model of our environment and infrastructure to stress test upgrades, plan for growth, and respond quickly to challenges.


• Use AI to streamline Council operations – reducing paperwork, speeding up consent processes, and freeing staff to focus on front-line services.


• Support early adoption of AI in public services – from predictive maintenance of assets to smarter transport planning and accurate flood risk modelling.


• Insist on clear ethical guidelines and public oversight to ensure AI is used responsibly, with privacy and community trust at the centre.


• Promote digital skills and innovation hubs to make Nelson a leader in smart solutions and green tech entrepreneurship.

A peaceful river reflects the surrounding trees and buildings in a small town set against green mountains under a clear blue sky.