I love Nelson but there are problems around the Council table. It needs fresh leadership from outside the current Council. I am offering my governance experience and energy to give our city positive new direction. My vision is for a vibrant, affordable city that is a great place to live, work, grow a business, raise a family and retire.

My top priority will be getting Nelson’s infrastructure and housing fixed from last week’s floods and landslides. My ministerial experience from the Edgecombe floods, Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes as well as my PhD in landslides will be useful in leading Nelson’s recovery. We need to rebuild quickly and more resiliently.

Nelson’s housing shortage is acute and Council needs to be part of the solution. We should use the Council Housing Fund from the sale of the pensioner cottages to support Habitat for Humanity, Abbeyfield and the Nelson/Tasman Housing Trust. My commitment is to double the Trusts community housing from 50 to 100 by 2026.

Council has done good work on climate change but more emphasis is needed on the practical steps to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. Council needs to push harder to replace coal burners, back solar energy and encourage the switch to electric vehicles.

Council’s attitude to business needs change. Consents are too slow. Council regulations are cumbersome. We need to recognise that business provides Nelson’s wealth and jobs. We need to revitalise the central city to make it a great place to shop and socialise by working with the business people whose livelihoods depend on it.

The radical Three Waters changes has Nelson losing control to Wellington of our $630 million of water infrastructure and us paying more for less. I will oppose it and the unaffordable $46 million new library. Council spending needs to be constrained so rates don’t compound the financial stress from high inflation, while focusing on delivering the services and infrastructure we need.

I will be a strong advocate for our arts, businesses, environment, sports and community organisations. My 30 year track record representing our city demonstrates I get things done for Nelson.