Councillor's Comment: Why on earth would anyone want to be a Nelson City Councillor?

It’s a question I often get asked, and it’s one I enjoy answering because, after almost nine years in the role, I can honestly say that being an elected representative of the people of Nelson-Whakatū has been one of the great privileges of my life, writes Nelson City Councillor Matt Lawrey.

It’s not always easy, but it’s actually a pretty great job, and if you’re even remotely thinking of putting your hand up at October’s elections, I would strongly encourage you to go for it.

Being a Councillor means getting to play a significant role in shaping and improving this city that we all love. You get to help to solve people’s problems, and you’re constantly learning new things. You also meet lots of interesting people, and if you’re lucky, you get to make some good friends. It can be messy and slow because, as Churchill once said, “Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried”, but it’s also a meaningful and rewarding way to serve your community. 

Keen to know more? Go to shape.nelson.govt.nz and search 'elections', or email Council’s Governance and Support Services Manager Devorah Nícuarta-Smith at
devorah.nicuartasmith@ncc.govt.nz