Rachel Sanson

My principal place of residence is in the Nelson City Council - At Large area.

As your councillor, I will be a fresh, dynamic and positive voice, helping to shape the future of Nelson.

A successful business leader with 20 years governance experience in private, education and non-profit sectors, I'm financially prudent, forward thinking and act on issues with a solutions-oriented approach. I work across political divides, staying focused on what is best for our communities, environment and economy.

I have a Master of Commerce degree; am on the boards of Nayland College and Volunteer Nelson; and am a volunteer with Age Connect and Red Cross Refugee Resettlement. I'm part of a large, supportive and outdoorsy Nelson family. My partner of 24 years is a builder and business mentor. Our music-loving son attends Nayland College.

I'll work hard to represent you, collaboratively working towards a more sustainable, prosperous and people-centered Nelson, where all are welcome and encouraged to contribute and thrive.

Please vote. www.rachelsanson.nz

Hei kaikaunihera, ka noho ahau hei kaitaunaki hou, akiaki, pai hoki ka äwhina ki te whakawhanake i te anamata o Whakatü. He kaipakihi toa ahau, neke atu i te 20 tau e noho ana i ngä poari tümataiti, mätauranga, kaupapa aroha hoki. He matawhäiti taku whakahaere pütea, he anga whakamua, rapa rongoä täku ara. Mahi ai ahau i ngä momo törangapü katoa, ka arotahi ki ngä painga mö te hapori, taiao, öhanga hoki.

He Tohu Tauhokohoko Paerua töku; kei runga au i ngä poari o Nayland College me Volunteer Nelson; he kaitüao me Age Connect, Red Cross Refugee Resettlement hoki. He whänau nui töku, he tautoko i ahau. He kämura, he kaitohutohu pakihi töku hoa. 24 tau mäua e hono ana. Kei Nalyand College tä mäua tama.

Ka kaha ahau, ka mahi tahi mö Whakatü kia toitü, whaihua, he wähi manaaki tangata, tautoko hoki kia puäwai te katoa

Pöti. www.rachelsanson.nz

What makes Nelson so special for you?

As a community and region we have so much going for us - incredible national parks and recreational opportunities. We’re rich in culture and diversity - from our mana whenua and those who’ve settled here from across NZ and the world. We have dedicated, creative, innovative people working across business, research, the arts and community. It is a great place for families to raise kids.

I want us to value and celebrate what we have, and focus on working collaboratively to ensure we’re creating a positive future for all of our community.

Nelson is my home - where I grew up, where our son was born, where his grandparents live, where our community is. We’ve built a home here, grown an internationally successful business here, and I’m actively involved across a wide range of community groups and organisations - Nayland College Board, Volunteer Nelson Board, Age Connect volunteer, Red Cross Refugee Resettlement volunteer, Chamber of Commerce, Institute of Directors, Sustainable Business Network, Nelson Mountain Bike Club

I am deeply invested in our community’s wellbeing, helping our local businesses to flourish, and ensuring our Nelson environment is protected, regenerated and sustained.

What is your vision for the city?

I am committed to a Nelson where all are welcome and encouraged to contribute and thrive; where our communities – from Hira to Stoke – are strong, connected, engaged and resilient.

It's important that our older people are supported and involved; our young people valued and given a voice in guiding our future; our diverse, minority and marginalised people respected and engaged.

Many in our community are struggling to make ends meet - household incomes are low, our housing costs and rates are among the highest, and we have a serious housing shortage. The council must work with community, business and central government to address these issues.

We need to be supporting local businesses and innovation enabling Nelson to thrive, including opportunities presented by transitioning to a lower carbon economy.

I’m supportive of CBD redevelopment to increase housing and affordable retail spaces; emphasising the creative culture of our city; better connecting city to sea; improved transport options across all suburbs.

We must demonstrate climate responsibility, value and care for our rivers, ocean, and land, protecting and regenerating nature for biodiversity, recreation, and future generations.