Key Achievements - Blenheim Ward Candidates

What are some key achievements you hope to be measured by from those who vote for you?

John Hyndman

Be regarded as a positive, constructive councillor. A proponent to get rates under 5 percent as soon as possible. An advocate for transparency and accountability. Support inner town residential housing/CBD renewal and revival.

Tamsin Cooper

I would like to be measured by a revitalised Blenheim CBD that is vibrant and welcoming, strong collaboration between council, business, iwi, and community to grow our economy, progress on accessibility and inclusion so all people, including those with extra needs, feel represented, supporting arts and culture as a driver of identity, connection, and economic activity and advocating for smarter funding so we protect essential services while keeping rates sustainable.

Dominique Greenslade

Key achievements I would want to work towards  - seeing the regular maintenance for our roads in Marlborough and open, honest economical management of our rates with accountabilities to the public in Marlborough.

Brian Dawson

The smooth transition of drinking water, storm water and wastewater to the new Water Services Organisation. The rebuild of Marlborough Sounds roads being completed.

Ben Stace

It will take more than one term, but a turnaround in the CBD and town as a whole is something I am keen to push. I'd like us to go back to having a real "Heart of the town" around Market Square, with easily walkable links to the riverside and Seymour Square.

Vish Prasad

That I helped the council generate alternative revenue so rates didn’t climb as much, while we still got to enjoy the “nice things” that make Marlborough better. That I cut through red tape, which slowed development and growth, asked the hard questions, and pushed for a council that’s more efficient and transparent. Most of all, that I fought for growth, stronger infrastructure, and a fairer system that supports our people instead of holding them back.

Buks Lundt

Affordable rates, reduction of debt and clean drinking water.

Thelma Sowman

Council is a team.  Key achievements are realised by staff and governance of council. Personally, I would like to see two hour free parking in the CBD, continued flood protection, national and international promotion of Marlborough for both tourism and as a place to live and work, and I want to continue my advocacy for the people of Marlborough.

Aimee Payne

I want to be measured by real outcomes that make a difference. That means connecting communities, flaxroots groups, rangatahi, and tangata whenua across Marlborough, finding and creating genuine pathways for voices to be heard. This could be through forums, regular community hui, and direct engagement that ensures community perspectives are at the council table. Accessibility is key. I’ve spent years volunteering locally, with the Blenheim Lions, with Crossroads, as a lifeguard, junior surf co-ordinator, because I believe in strengthening connections and giving people a real voice. Supporting our young people is vital for Marlborough’s future. I want to see us tackle youth homelessness, not just with short-term fixes but with long-term housing and support options. I believe in bringing community groups together so we can create more opportunities, safe spaces, and positive pathways for rangatahi to thrive, whether that’s through youth hubs, events, or leadership opportunities. Equally important are wrap-around services, practical support that meets rangatahi where they’re at, from mental health and wellbeing to education and training, to help into jobs and apprenticeships. I’m already actively involved in this space, working alongside the Marlborough Youth Trust, and as co-founder of Skate Marlborough to improve facilities and create safe, fun spaces for rangatahi. We need bold, urgent action. I will back local initiatives, use nature-based solutions, and help build resilience against climate change, with the goal of Marlborough District Council working towards carbon neutrality. This is mahi I’m already doing, organising clean-ups, planting projects, and bringing people together to care for our natural spaces. I know that when we activate our community around the environment, it creates pride, resilience, and long-term impact. If Marlborough is more resilient, connected, and inclusive because of my mahi, then I’ll know I’ve done the job people trusted me to do.

Deborah Dalliessi

Accountability and transparency. Ratepayers deserve straight up transparency. People should be able to see exactly how Councillors voted on big issues, so community knows who backed what and who didn’t, when the vote is divided. Keeping service costs down - Review of some existing contracts and consultancy fees. I will push for smarter spending where possible, looking to see where work could be done in-house more efficiently. There are a couple of areas where no further capital expenditure is needed and existing contract in part could be managed internally at lower cost. Ill advocate for reviews to see where this makes sense and what savings we can make.

David Croad

As a councillor and member of the governance group it is our responsibility to be measured against the delivery of the communities Long Term Plan. The LTP is developed over time in collaboration with community and should be delivered by council in the most efficient and effective way.

Cathie Bell

I hope to be measured by how inclusive I managed to be, representing the voters who elected me. I intend to work collegially with other councillors and the mayor to achieve positive, tangible benefits for Marlborough. I’d like to see us embrace our strengths, find new and better ways to do things, and care about those in our community.

Nyara Nyajena

I’d like to be measured by results — not just words. Key achievements would include strong community engagement,  clear public consultations to ensure communication goes across to Blenheim residents

Cyril Dawson

Saying NO to frivolous spending. Council has to spend money we get that, but on what and how much are two different things.

Out of fairness, the order of these comments is relative to the order of reply by the candidate. Ni Fruean and Bob Watson did not respond.