Champion causes - Blenheim Ward Candidates

Are there any specific causes you hope to champion if elected?

John Hyndman

Renewal of the CBD and commencing the move to inner ‘city’ medium density residential housing.

Tamsin Cooper

I am passionate about accessibility, ensuring services and spaces are welcoming for people of all abilities, supporting families, creating a safe, thriving environment for the next generation, economic development that is both innovative and sustainable, and arts and culture, recognising their power to bring communities together and energise our region.

Dominique Greenslade

The chance for the citizens to be heard and expose their ideas while expecting a resolution to what they would want to see the Council do and keep Council honest and willing to maintain good communications between them and the people they serve!

Brian Dawson

We need to give more thought to convincing people to come to Marlborough not only for a holiday but to live, work, study and do business here.

Ben Stace

The CBD revitalisation, and working to help ensure continued housing supply are key aims I have. We need to avoid housing shortages as the region grows. Alongside practical changes to increase efficiencies within Council departments. All underpinned by responsible spending at all levels.

Vish Prasad

Disaster preparedness, future-proofing infrastructure, thorough town planning and making sure the council actually delivers on its responsibilities. Cutting unnecessary red tape that drives investors away — costing us jobs and revenue. Ensuring everyone has a roof over their head, food on the table, and clean water to drink. Using my councillor title to advocate for businesses, community groups, and charities, and supporting the health sector to raise funds for new equipment and staff. I'd like to keep the charm of Marlborough while improving it. The list goes on — and while it may sound ambitious, I know I can deliver with time and the support of our community.

Buks Lundt

I would like to see the Taylor River and roundabouts cleaned regularly.

Thelma Sowman

Advocate for more funding from central government which will help limit rate increases.

Aimee Payne

There are so many causes that matter, but high on the list is supporting our rangatahi, particularly those experiencing homelessness. By bringing the community together and working alongside NGOs, central government, and flaxroots organisations, we can advocate for and support facilities that provide safe housing, wraparound services, and pathways into education and employment. Every young person deserves stability, dignity, and the chance to thrive. Another priority for me is turning our Climate Action Plan into reality. I want to see Marlborough District Council set a clear pathway to becoming carbon neutral. Nelson City Council have already achieved an 80% reduction in landfill emissions through carbon capture now heating their hospital, showing what’s possible. I also want to tackle wilding pines, which are spreading across Marlborough’s high country, valleys, and parts of the Sounds. They look harmless at first, but left to grow they smother our native bush, and change the landscapes we love. Protecting our unique biodiversity means acting now, before they take over. This is a challenge we can meet if central government, council, landowners, and the community work together with urgency.

Deborah Dalliessi

Water and water management, I want to be part of a council that stands up to Government and says one size doesn't fit all and we do not want Fluoride in Marlborough’s water. Additionally I would like to see the new council revisit the decision on a separate water authority.

David Croad

My focus next term is on the strategy, with many new and emerging challenges beyond what is considered or has been business as usual, we have started a process to look more inwardly at the way council develops the LTP and delivers its responsibilities. I am motivated to continue this work as it is vital if we expect to maintain current and expected levels of services as well as solve new problems in a financially sustainable way.

Cathie Bell

I’ve never been good at walking past a need, as shown by the wide range of voluntary groups I’ve worked in. Community resilience and security in food and energy are important to me, along with events and activities that boost vibrancy and positive actions and feelings are important to me.

Nyara Nyajena

Light up Marlborough and extract more potential. I want to champion a city that is empowered protected full of promises for the future generations

Cyril Dawson

Keep rate rises to a minimum. Turn Eltham Rd BACK into Eltham Rd. I know we have enough roundabouts but the intersection of Howick and Alabama roads needs one.