We continue our pre-election coverage this week with a few more profiles of those who have indicated they were standing again in the Elections 2025.

Martin McPherson has been a Vincent ward Central Otago District councillor and community board member since 1985, and we asked him a few questions:

Will you be standing again?  

Yes

Why or why not?

I am still enjoying the work and am confident I have more to offer

How long have you already been involved exactly?

I was first elected to the Alexandra community board in 1995

What are you most proud of/achievements in the time you have been a councillor/community board member/deputy mayor?

My work on the hearings panel and various plan changes, especially Plan change 19.

Read more: Plan Change operative despite Enviro Court appeals

What advice do you have for any new candidates standing?

The ship of state has a very small steering wheel - things take time to turn around.

What do you see are the pressing issues in your ward that you are particularly passionate about?

Growth and how we manage this, and the effect on infrastructure and the costs associated with this, and its impact on rates going forward.

Read more: Local Elections 2025: Who’s Standing and Why