Marlborough Mayor Confirms Bid For Another Term

Thursday, 13 March 2025, 6:55 am
Article: Maia Hart - Local Democracy Reporter

Marlborough’s mayor and deputy mayor will be seeking to get re-elected at this year’s local election.

Mayor Nadine Taylor said she had loved her term and the council had achieved a lot together in what felt like three short years, such as opening a new library, a hockey turf, a tech and innovation hub and the new Waihopai River bridge.

“We’ve secured Government funding to fix our Sounds roads and the critical Spring Creek stopbank,” Taylor said.

But there was still more to do, she said.

“I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum going. We need to navigate the new Interislander ferries project and the necessary port and town planning.”

Decisions needed to be made about the future of Local Water Done well and work needed to progress on the Wairau River scheme review and management of the Wairau aquifer, she said.

“Marlborough is a beautiful and special place and there is more to be done to protect it.

“A strong focus is needed on bringing together the many people who love and use the Marlborough Sounds to restore and protect it for future generations.”

Blenheim ward

Deputy mayor David Croad, who chaired the economic, finance and community committee, said he was definitely intending to run again unless anything significantly changed between now and the election in October.

The major reason for this was because of the “huge topics” the council was being faced with, he said.

He wanted to emphasise the importance of “new and suitably qualified people” standing for the council to increase the governance talent pool.

“Success to me looks like so many people standing that I don’t get in, because I’m not good enough.”

Brian Dawson, who chaired the assets and services committee, said he would stand again.

Matt Flight said he would stand again too.

“I do enjoy being part of this council, and know my very practical approach works well in our region.”

Flight also ran for mayor in the 2022 local election, but said he was unlikely to try again.

Deborah Dalliessi confirmed she was standing again, saying she had learnt a lot through attending council briefings and was able to provide more meaningful representation as a result.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the community.

“There is still much to be prudently examined and prioritised to ensure the sustainable growth in a way we can afford here in Marlborough.”

Thelma Sowman said she was undecided.

Jonathan Rosene said he would not be running again, as he had recently started a new job and could not balance the two roles.

“Now that I’m at Marlborough Girls’ College it’s hard to do it [council] justice,” Rosene said.

“I think people of Marlborough need someone that can give it greater attention than what I’ll be able to sustain.

“It’s been the honour of my professional career, there’s nothing better than having the confidence of your community to represent them.”

Wairau-Awatere ward

Sally Arbuckle confirmed she was re-standing.

Gerald Hope, chairperson of the Environment and Planning committee, said there was a lot of work to be done, including on the latest budget and central government reforms, before he made a decision on whether to stand again.

“Therefore my focus over the next few months is getting many of these projects completed with the expectation that I will consider seeking re-election nearer to October.”

Scott Adams said he was still getting his ducks in a row before making a decision.

Marlborough Sounds ward

Barbara Faulls said after giving it some thought, she believed there were still matters she would like to help resolve for the community.

“I am lucky to have a very supportive husband, family and staff as council work means I am away from my own business a lot. I will be running again,” Faulls said.

Raylene Innes said she had been thinking about whether she would seek another term “for a while now” and had decided she would be standing again.

Ben Minehan said he was undecided.

“I have enjoyed the term as a Sounds Ward councillor so far and learnt a lot about local government,” Minehan said.

Māori ward

Allanah Burgess said she was still deciding whether to stand again but thought it was worthwhile for any councillor to do more than one term.

“I know, for me at least, that I feel like I’m finally getting the hang of things,” she said.

“I am actively encouraging others to put their hand up for nomination for all wards.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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