NZ Local Elections 2025

Mackenzie District Council

Opuha Ward
The Mackenzie District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of seven councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). three councillors will be elected from the Opuha ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Mackenzie District Council election.

Candidates

Policies

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Ash Jackson

Ash Jackson

Rit Fisher

Rit Fisher

Mark Adams

Mark Adams

Phillipa Guerin

Phillipa Guerin

Elizabeth McKenzie

Elizabeth McKenzie

Independent

Elizabeth McKenzie

Independent

Elizabeth McKenzie

Independent

Why I'm standing

The MacKenzie District is the best place in the world to live. My family have lived here for the last 25 years. But our council is failing us. Our community events are tied up in red tape. Consents are too expensive. Our council wastes our rates money on consultants, but does not listen to the community. We do not need gold-plated solutions. Solid investments, strategic alliances and kiwi ingenuity will help achieve the things our district needs.

About me

I am a 52-year-old former scientist and live with my partner Simon in Ashwick Flat. I am secretary for Fairlie Ratepayers. I am an experienced chairperson and advisor. As your former regional councillor and chair of the South Canterbury Biosecurity Advisory Group, I successfully lobbied for wallaby eradication funding and for a solution to enable semi-automatic firearm use for those affected by wallaby. My values are protecting our democracy, accountability, fairness and common sense.

My priorities
  1. Cap average rates at less than 5% of median income and ensure fees and charges are fair and reasonable.
  2. Prioritise affordable community housing and require worker accommodation for all tourist developments.
  3. Increase age-friendly design and services in the MacKenzie and restore the Fairlie minibus service.
Residence

Ashwick Flat

Age

52

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Why I'm standing

The MacKenzie District is the best place in the world to live. My family have lived here for the last 25 years. But our council is failing us. Our community events are tied up in red tape. Consents are too expensive. Our council wastes our rates money on consultants, but does not listen to the community. We do not need gold-plated solutions. Solid investments, strategic alliances and kiwi ingenuity will help achieve the things our district needs.

About me

I am a 52-year-old former scientist and live with my partner Simon in Ashwick Flat. I am secretary for Fairlie Ratepayers. I am an experienced chairperson and advisor. As your former regional councillor and chair of the South Canterbury Biosecurity Advisory Group, I successfully lobbied for wallaby eradication funding and for a solution to enable semi-automatic firearm use for those affected by wallaby. My values are protecting our democracy, accountability, fairness and common sense.

My priorities
  1. Cap average rates at less than 5% of median income and ensure fees and charges are fair and reasonable.
  2. Prioritise affordable community housing and require worker accommodation for all tourist developments.
  3. Increase age-friendly design and services in the MacKenzie and restore the Fairlie minibus service.
Residence

Ashwick Flat

Age

52

Connect via

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