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We can achieve this vision together - we all have a role to play.

Nelson Whakatū deserves a mayor with a strong vision of our shared future, a mayor who is transparent and respectful of our community, and a mayor who embraces positive change – and I’m ready to lead that change.

We all deserve a region where prosperity and sustainability go hand-in-hand. If I have the privilege of being elected mayor I will continue to build healthy and respectful relationships with staff, councillors, and the community, so we can all move forward together.

My four priorities for the next council term would be as follows:
Nelson Whakatū is a world leading sustainable city
that we are all proud to call home
I'm proud to give voters a genuine choice for mayor in 2025, and I stand with the following vision:
A rejuvenated people-focused city centre
Resilience to natural disasters and energy disruption
A healthy environment that is our home
The problem: Much of central Nelson is like a 1950s drive-through mall, dominated by asphalt, few places for people, and lacking investment and expression of cultural identity. This limits our enjoyment of the area, and is a barrier to achieving a vibrant and successful city centre.
The solution: Intensification, central city apartments, implement Te Ara o Whakatū (city centre spatial plan), urban greening, linked-up laneways, shared spaces, pedestrianisation.
The result: More people living in and visiting the city centre, better experiences in the city centre. A safe, vibrant area with high amenity.
Priority projects: Bridge to Better, implement urban greening strategy, implement Te Ara o Whakatu, civic investment (civic hub library, civic house).
The problem: deforestation, infrastructure development on flood plains and in coastal areas, and increasingly severe and more frequent storms under a changing climate mean the region is susceptible to costly flooding and slips that threaten infrastructure and lives. Our reliance on fossil fuels makes us susceptible to changes in the supply and cost of energy.
The solution: responsible land use, sustainable forestry practices, community adaptation planning, enhanced energy independence, and a shift to a sustainable economy.
The result: our region is less at risk of flood and slips, there is reduced disruption and cost of repair, and we have increased energy security.
Priority projects: review land use practices and land cover, make space for rivers, adaptation planning, develop a long-term regional energy strategy.
The problem: poor land use practices on steep land result in erosion and sediment that put homes at risk, and harm the life in our rivers and sea. The burning of wood and fossil fuels generates harmful air pollution that exceeds safe guidelines. Habitat destruction on land and in the ocean results in massive wildlife loss.
The solution: reduce polluting activities (e.g., burning of wood and fossil fuels); ensure appropriate land use and land cover on sloping land to reduce erosion and slips; protect marine habitats; and promote sustainable forestry practices, reforestation of indigenous trees, and riparian planting.
The result: healthy rivers and ocean, clean air and better public health, thriving wildlife, reduced erosion and slips.
Priority projects: review land use and land cover to reduce erosion and protect rivers and the ocean from sedimentation, develop a clean air plan (PM2.5), promote reforestation and riparian planting, review harmful activities in the marine environment.
The problem: our current transport network is congested at times, generates huge amounts of pollution, is expensive to maintain, and does not provide adequate choice for people who cannot or choose not to drive.
The solution: provide safe and affordable transport choice with a focus on walking, cycling, public transport, and clean vehicles.
The result: reduced congestion, improved safety, reduced costs, reduced pollution, improved mental and physical health through active transport.
Priority projects: East–west cycleway, improved public transport, Rocks Road seawall rebuild and cycling/walking boulevard, implement parking strategy, optimise the transport network, implement the Active Travel Strategy and Nelson Future Access Plan.
Safe and affordable transport choices

About Aaron

As an eighth-generation Nelsonian, I am committed to advancing the city that I know and love. We enjoy a unique lifestyle, with a wonderful climate, vibrant creative community, and easy access to beaches, rivers, ocean, and mountains. Having enjoyed all that Whakatū Nelson has to offer, I’m standing for Mayor to give back to the community, to use my skills and experience to help shape a better future for all of us.

During my primary school years I lived in a state house in the Brook Valley, in a solo-mother household with my two sisters. I played representative hockey and learnt a lot from growing up in a household under conditions of material hardship.

I was fortunate to attend university and found that I loved geology. I completed BSc and MSc degrees at the University of Canterbury, took a year out to travel in the UK, Europe, and North Africa, and then undertook a PhD degree in Australia. At this time, I married and started a family. This was followed by a two-year research position in Japan and a three-year research position at the University of Canterbury, along with lecturing work.

In 2006 I established Stallard Scientific Editing, providing scientific editing services to clients in Asia, Europe, and elsewhere. The business contributes to advancing knowledge and brings foreign earnings into the Whakatū Nelson economy.

In recent years I’ve been involved in community groups such as Zero Carbon Nelson Tasman and Save the Maitai, and have pursued my own projects such as developing a climate change explainer website and giving talks on the subject. In the 2020 general election I stood as the Green Party candidate in Nelson.

As a geologist I understand the long-term context and science of climate change and the need to transform our systems of transport, energy and food production. The next Council term will be a time of great change, and more than ever we need Councillors who understand the complexities of the path ahead, communicate well and engage with the community, and are prepared to lead and to make positive change. This is my pledge to the people of Whakatū Nelson.

"As a service exporter and employer I am well aware of the issues facing local businesses."

Serving on Council 2022–2025


I have worked hard during the 2022–2025 Council term and have sought to establish strong, respectful relationships with other Councillors, Council staff, and the community.

I have led the development of a climate change strategy and regional waste minimisation plan; contributed to an improved landfill and the collection of landfill methane to power the hospital in place of coal; helped to govern Council’s transition from clear-fell forestry to continuous canopy indigenous forest; and advocated for safe transport choices for people of all ages.

In terms of specific roles, I have been the Chair of the Climate Change Taskforce, Chair of the Working Party overseeing the development of a Joint Waste Management and Minimization Plan, member of the Joint Landfill Committee, Liaison Councillor for North Nelson, Chair and member of the Hearing Panel, member of the Forestry Transition Working Group, Council representative on the Nelson Biodiversity Forum, and member of the Regional Pest Management Plan Joint Committee.

With the experience of a term on Council, I feel able to offer even more next term if I have the privilege of being re-elected. Please trust me with your vote and I will do my best every day to serve the community and make the decisions that make the biggest difference to people’s lives.
"The next Council term will be a time of great change, and more than ever we need Councillors who understand the complexities of the path ahead."
I established a scientific editing business that serves clients worldwide. As a service exporter and employer I am well aware of the issues facing local businesses.
I have a PhD in geology and have undertaken research in Japan, Australia, Canada, the USA and New Zealand. I have a sound understanding of the science and politics of climate change.
Business
Science
I have previously volunteered at the Nelson Community Foodbank and Museum, take part in planting events, support wildlife groups, and am a member of the Nelson Film Society and the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum.
I grew up in Whakatū Nelson and have raised my own family here. I know the city, the land, the rivers and lakes, the people, and the issues that are most important to the community.
Community
Local
I am an eighth generation Nelsonian and have raised three children in this wonderful city with all that entails, including sports, music, education, events, and the great outdoors.
Family
I have been active in advocacy work via community groups and organisations such as Save the Maitai, Zero Carbon Nelson Tasman, and the Stop the Coal Monster campaign.
Advocacy
Skills and Experience
Thriving economy
The economic wellbeing of Whakatū Nelson depends on revitalization of the city centre and having more people living in, and visiting the urban area. The transition to a low-carbon economy presents opportunities for the city. As a business owner, I’m committed to working with the business community to create an environment that attracts businesses and workers to the region.
Housing
As a Councillor I’ll advocate for intensification and the construction of central city apartments, providing more housing options, the opportunity to live without needing a car, and reducing the pressure on our valuable green spaces and agricultural land.

Climate Change
As a geologist and father I am motivated to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon world to tackle the climate crisis. I was a member the Zero Carbon Nelson Tasman group and developed a website that explains climate change to a general audience. I will work tirelessly to ensure that every Council decision takes us closer to our climate goals.
Healthy nature
I support positive change that enables nature to recover and thrive. I will advocate for the wellbeing of the Maitai River, ensuring suitable land use in the catchment and that we protect the peaceful open spaces of the lower Maitai Valley for current and future generations, and that a healthy river flows into Nelson Haven and Tasman Bay/Te Tai-o-Aorere.
Iwi partnership
Council can play a key role in upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and establishing a genuine partnership with iwi based on respect and understanding. The Maori ward is the first step in helping iwi to build capacity, strengthening ties between Council and iwi, and having greater iwi involvement in planning and decision-making.
Community wellbeing
Our community faces challenges in housing, low wages, and food price inflation. As a Councillor I will work with community groups, businesses, and central government to overcome these problems, as well as to provide the support services, events, and infrastructure that enable all people to come together and thrive.
Getting around
A priority for Whakatū Nelson is a rapid transition to a low carbon transport system, where public transport, cycling, and walking are the most attractive options for people to move around. The benefits of this transition are many: reduced road congestion, reduced emissions, improved physical and mental wellbeing, reduced noise and air pollution, greater safety, and reduced transport costs.
A vibrant city centre
I’m passionate about transforming and revitalizing the central city with a focus on people! That means people living in the central city in mid-rise apartments and the city being an attractive place for people to visit, eat, and shop. I will advocate for more people-friendly open spaces in the central city and to prioritise people and safe transport choice.

Key issues
"As a geologist and father I am motivated to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon world to tackle the climate crisis."
This Council term we have benefited from a Māori Ward Councillor. The Māori ward will continue for the 2025–2028 Council term, but the future of the ward after 2028 will be decided by a poll of voters to be held at the same time as the Council election in October.

So what do we make of Te Tiriti and the Māori Ward?

Te Tiriti is the founding document of modern Aotearoa New Zealand and a key part or our constitution. It is an invitation to European settlers to share this land and it lends legitimacy to our parliament.

The eight iwi and three Councils of Te Tauihu signed Kia Kotahi Te Tauihu (Together Te Tauihu Partnership Agreement) in 2023. The agreement seeks for Councils and iwi to work together to achieve better outcomes for the whole community. It recognises the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation on tangata whenua and seeks to address the ways in which the rights and voices of tangata whenua have been silenced in the past. It acknowledges the imbalance in power, resources and visibility across the region and seeks to continue on a pathway of restoration and reconciliation, to secure a healthier and stronger long-term partnership for the benefit of all peoples of Te Tauihu.

This Council term, those of us serving on Council have clearly seen the benefit of the Māori ward in terms of greater insight into local issues and better decision-making. The ward also gives expression to the partnership embodied in the treaty and recognizes the spirit of the Treaty in that we will move forward together while caring for and protecting the unique needs and differences of the treaty partners.

I’ll be strongly encouraging a ‘yes’ vote for the poll on the Māori ward, for reasons of representation, honouring Te Tiriti, and because we make better decisions when both Treaty partners are at the table.

Te Tiriti, Partnership, and the Māori Ward

"As an eighth-generation Nelsonian, I am committed to advancing the city that I know and love."
Tilda Publishing
To enrol to vote or update your details, visit the website of the Electoral Commission.

Information on local elections in 2025 can be found at Vote NZ.
Enrolment update packs sent to all enrolled voters

Enrolment closes for the printed electoral roll. You can still enroll for a period after this date by contacting Nelson’s Electoral Officer on 0800 666 048.

Voting documents delivered.

Voting begins.

Election day, voting closes at 12 noon and progress results expected later in the day.
April
9–22 September
1 August
9 September
11 October
Let's Vote!
Key dates
Please vote, and encourage your friends and whānau to vote!
Wards and voting
The wards are as follows:

Central Ward (four seats on Council) – all areas north of about Bishopdale Hill.

Stoke-Tāhunanui Ward (four seats on Council) – all areas south of about Bishopdale Hill.

Whakatū Māori Ward (one seat on Council) - the full Nelson area, for those on the Māori roll.

‘At large’ (three seats on Council) - the full Nelson area.

The mayoralty is contested over the full Nelson area.
The Whakatū Nelson electorate uses a ward system for voting and the Single Transferable Voting system.

Ward system
In many parts of the country, Council territories are divided into wards, and candidates can choose which ward they stand in. Only people enrolled in that ward can vote for them.

The ward system is for the purpose of the election only. Once elected, all members of Council represent the entire community, regardless of the ward in which they stood.
How many votes will you have?

If you are on the general roll, you will vote for:
  • Mayor
  • Ward councillors, either Central ward or Stoke-Tāhunanui ward depending on where you live (four seats to fill)
  • ‘At large’ councillors (three seats to fill)

If you are on the Māori roll, you will vote for:
  • Mayor
  • Māori ward councillor (one seat to fill)
  • ‘At large’ councillors (three seats to fill)
  • You vote by ranking candidates, with your top choice being ranked #1.
  • You don't have to rank all candidates.
  • Only rank those candidates who you want to be on Council.
  • Don't rank candidates who you don't support!!
Voting tips!
Nelson City Council released the following videos to explain how the Single Transferable Voting system works, and how to vote. Note that the videos were made for the 2022 elections, but the same voting system will be used in 2025.
‘Eyesore’ concerns over surf lifesaving club at popular beach
While Stallard supported a new facility, he believed the proposed building was in the wrong location, and at odds with the Tāhunanui Reserve Management Plan.
Nelson Mail 16 December 2024 Read more...
Aaron Stallard puts up hand for Nelson mayoralty
“Nelson deserves a mayor with a strong vision of our shared future, a mayor who is transparent and respectful of our community, and a mayor who embraces positive change.”
Nelson Mail 8 July 2025 Read more...
A climate change strategy for the Nelson community
The Strategy shows all of us ... the roles we can play in tackling climate change. It asks us to meet the needs of today without borrowing from tomorrow.
Our Nelson 3 July 2025 Read more...
Councillor's Comment
The Climate Change Strategy is a blueprint for investing in our future. It shows a sustainable pathway for our natural and built environments, transport, energy, food production, and waste.
Our Nelson 17 June 2025 Read more...
Lukewarm council to investigate permanent soft-plastic recycling
“The only solution we have is to stop production in the first place and find alternatives, and this kind of initiative, I fear, is a backward step.”
Nelson Mail 5 May 2025 Read more...
Council divided on controversial runway extension
Councillor Aaron Stallard questioned the aim of the longer runway reducing emissions, saying there were no provisions to prevent it being used by fossil fuel planes and having the reverse effect.
Nelson Mail 19 December 2024 Read more...
Averting the sixth extinction
Nelson city councillor Aaron Stallard says to take effective climate action, it is important to acknowledge that our prosperity is connected with the health and stability of the ocean, freshwater...
Nelson Mail 23 November 2024 Read more...
Schools, parents and councillors urge council not to shelve cycleway project
Councillor Aaron Stallard said providing transport choice, like safe and convenient cycling routes, was the key to reducing congestion and parking demand.
Nelson Mail 20 November 2024 Read more...
Groups bewildered over council move to replace commercial forestry
Stallard…says the council is deviating from expert advice on how to exit its commercial pine forestry, by planting redwoods on harvested stands in the Maitai Valley.
Nelson Mail 31 August 2024 Read more...
Head of council's climate change taskforce urges community buy-in
Stallard believed emissions reductions targets were important because they provided direction, gave an indication of the pace and scale of change needed, and enabled aligned action among all stakeholders.
Nelson Mail 24 March 2024 Read more...
Collegial council turns confrontational during debate about governance structures
Councillor Aaron Stallard moved that committees be reintroduced alongside the taskforces, saying it would improve transparency and address a “problematic and unusual centralisation of power”.
Nelson Mail 10 August 2023 Read more...
Healthy river catchments ensure a better future for everyone
“Healthy rivers and careful land management in river catchments are important for biodiversity, flood mitigation, recreation, and tackling climate change.”
Our Nelson 26 May 2023 Read more...
Liquefaction threat 'final straw' for library's river site, climate group says
Geologist Dr Aaron Stallard said the report found liquefaction...was likely to be triggered at the site during moderate to strong shaking.
Nelson Mail 29 August 2022 Read more...
Ombudsman finds 'shortcomings' in Nelson development consultation
Part of the Nelson City Council's consultation on a controversial housing development in the Maitai Valley has been labelled as unreasonable by the Chief Ombudsman.
Radio New Zealand 19 June 2022 Read more...
Aaron Stallard standing for Nelson City Council
Geologist, climate activist and Save the Maitai spokesperson Dr Aaron Stallard is vying for a seat on the Nelson City Council.
Nelson Mail 7 June 2022 Read more...
Save the Maitai group renews call to halt housing plan after floods
Save the Maitai spokesperson Dr Aaron Stallard says continuing with plans to build on “a flood-prone river flat would be irresponsible”.
Nelson Mail 26 August 2022 Read more...
Ombudsman partially upholds complaint against council
The Chief Ombudsman has partially upheld complaints about Nelson City Council’s consultation process for the Future Development Strategy
Nelson Mail 21 June 2022 Read more...
Call to ban industrial coal use in Nelson
Stop the Coal Monster group spokesman Aaron Stallard said it wants to see no new consents issued for coal use, and existing consents ended by 2025.
RNZ 6 November 2021 (Full article...) Read more...
Petition calls for end to coal power in Nelson
Dr Aaron Stallard and Dr Joost van Rens spoke on behalf of the campaign group, calling for both the Nelson City and Tasman District councils to stop the burning of coal in their areas.
Nelson Mail 4 November 2021 Read more...
It’s time to stop the coal monster
A group of concerned citizens is calling on Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council to work with central government and industry to end coal use in Nelson Tasman by 2025.
Nelson Mail 24 June 2021 Read more...
Thousands back call to save Nikau House in Nelson
A petition to save Nikau House has gathered more than 2200 signatures since it was launched by a woman whose sister has used the service on a weekly basis for the last 10 years.
Nelson Mail 18 June 2020 Read more...
Library decision commits city to millions in flood defences, lobbyists say
Spokesman, geologist Aaron Stallard, said there was too much uncertainty about the flood risks at the site to “rush ahead” with the proposal. Combined river flood and coastal inundation modelling...
Nelson Mail 5 March 2021 Read more...
Legal concerns raised with Nelson council over library development
ZCNT spokesman Dr Aaron Stallard said the group’s concerns were linked to the flood-risk of the area, which he said the council was “well aware” of...
Nelson Mail 23 August 2021 Read more...
Council urged to re-consider 'high risk' riverside development
In the meeting’s public forum, geologist Dr Aaron Stallard said there was a “real risk” the precinct would be permanently under water within 80 years.
Nelson Mail 14 August 2020 Read more...
Save the Maitai group lodges Ombudsman complaint
Save the Maitai spokesman Dr Aaron Stallard said the group believed the official complaint was necessary in the face of the council’s response so far.
Nelson Mail 8 March 2021 Read more...
Mayor's 'bizarre' letter not complaint but 'invitation' for housing collaboration
Dr Aaron Stallard says a letter raising his conduct as a spokesman for Save the Maitai with the Green Party co-leaders is “bizarre and undemocratic”.
Nelson Mail 7 August 2021 Read more...
Kākā Valley: The opponents
“The things we will lose forever are the unique qualities of the valley,” Stallard says.
Nelson Mail 12 June 2021 Read more...
Maitahi development opponents call for council to reject plan change request
Save the Maitai spokesman Dr Aaron Stallard said, in a statement, there were grounds to reject the request for a private plan change.
Nelson Mail 21 September 2021 Read more...
Geologist: If people understood the problems we face they would change right now
Nelson geologist Dr Aaron Stallard is used to working with the long time scales that have shaped the planet. But lately he's been preoccupied with a more immediate problem: our future.
Nelson Mail 10 January 2020 Read more...
In the media
"I’m standing for Council to give back to the community, to use my skills and experience to help shape a better future for all of us."
Contact Aaron
Mobile: 021 123 7099
E-mail: aaron@aaronstallard.co.nz
I’m here to listen and engage.
Tell me of your ideas, aspirations, and challenges.
Let’s work together to promote the wellbeing of everyone in Whakatū Nelson.
Authorised by Aaron Stallard
Tilda Publishing