Who should be Invercargill's next mayor?

With locals due to vote in the local elections by noon, next Saturday, October 8, we've asked the ten candidates for their opinions on the major issues facing the district. We've run the answers over the weeks leading up to the election.

This week, we asked: Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

Here are the candidates' answers, in alphabetical order:

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Toni Biddle

Age: 46

Occupation: Senior Advisor for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, former Deputy Mayor of ICC

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

I have demonstrated integrity and complete transparency within our community for years across multiple sectors, and I am very proud of who I am and where I was born and raised. I want our children to have opportunities to thrive in the place they call home, and if they leave, they will want to return to give their children the same privilege and opportunities. We have so much potential here and we are on the cusp of significant change and transformation.

This role is not a part-time job – it requires the energy, experience and conviction that only I can deliver. I promise to work hard to create a culture within the council chamber that debates the issues, not personalities, and then delivers.

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Ria Bond

Age: Not supplied

Occupation: Former NZFirst List MP based in Invercargill. Former skilled migrant co-ordinator for Venture Southland, Contractor, Business NZ Mentor

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

As Mayor my priorities are to determine the council’s agenda, to get results for ratepayers and businesses. Collaborate and support our local businesses, this includes future developments ensuring they are at the forefront with tenders being assessed, put the LTP under the microscope for affordability, remove projects that aren’t, to accelerate projects such as the museum rebuild, rugby park, alternative water supply, develop sustainable, accessible functional housing for our elders, disabled, low incomes.

A focused leader means a focused team. A good team leader always has the goal in mind and sets clear expectations for everyone. I need to know the strengths and weaknesses of elected members at the council table to deliver a united team. As mayor I intend to meet with each member to ascertain their skill sets, level of governance abilities, their operational understanding, their goals and priorities for council, arrange training as needed.

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Stevey Chernishov

Age: 41

Occupation: Educator

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

I am an activator of new solutions & have relentless positivity. I realise the significance of everyday people & focus on bringing about positive outcomes for all.

I offer fresh thinking, creativity and an informed perspective, based on well grounded research methods.

I action great ideas - more than words & thoughts.

I inspire others, build teams & get things done.

I promise to provide inspirational leadership in the community & represent the views of our people from an informed perspective.

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Nobby Clark

Age: 71

Occupation: Current Deputy Mayor - ICC

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

I’m not interested in personal politics. I’m only interested in tangible outcomes, given that we may well be amalgamated with Gore and SDC by the end of the next term. I am focused on financial accountability (runaway costs = increased rates), getting a new museum built and open within that 3 year term, safeguarding the jobs of 40 disability workers at our recycling plant by not putting the contract out to tender next year and creating a Southern Lights walking trail around the inner city with art works and murals.

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Marcus Lush

Age: 57

Occupation: Broadcaster

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

Because I am the only candidate with a clear vision for this city. I am running a positive campaign without any secret backers - and I will bring positivity to the council and change the culture. I will get councillors and the community engaged and working as a team. I have the connections and the platform to make Invercargill the welcome city with a fantastic new play ground by year 3, a stunning museum by year 6, and if people want me back again - trams by year 9.

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Tom Morton

Age: 61 years

Occupation: Marketing /Small business (dog walking)

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

I'm the best, most apt candidate for uniting Invercargill in a positive direction.

I understand best, finest and foremostly the issues that Southland's facing, and I am eager to fix all of the problems caused by past politicians.         

I possess the plans and passion to solve the council-&-central–government–caused problems of poverty that are costing our Southland businesses unnecessary, unjust expenses.

I am resolved to lastingly settle and sort out the excessively severe lack of luxury, comfortable and humble housing in Invercargill.

Let's work together with Mr Tom Morton to create a wealthier Invercargill for all the hard-working individuals of our wonderful, praiseworthy Invers.

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Noel James Peterson

Age: 69

Occupation: Bluff Community Board Member – Mayoral – Councillor Candidate -Invercargill City Council Election 2022

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

A full time Mayor working 24/7 for everyone, representing all of the Invercargill community, with a good understanding and respect for the wishes of the wider Invercargill community, good governance skills and the ability to promote and represent Invercargill on the regional, national, and world stage.

An Ambassador for Invercargill City & Southland, locally, regionally, nationally, and globally to the world, having contacts in every region, locally, nationally, and pretty much every nation on the planet.

A strong voice in Central and local Government sectors, with the contacts, wisdom, maturity and experience, in fact 35 years of political experience, both from the outside and inside Local – Central Government (lobbying local - central government over many years) all done with modern & forward thinking.

Over the past 3 years as a Bluff Community Board member listening to and acting on what you the community have indicated are your wants and needs. After 5 years of planning & preparation, I am ready to “hit the ground running”, currently already support the Invercargill community by working closely with the community, council and central government. What the community wants comes first, I have plenty of ideas, and one promise, you & community first!

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Jacqueline Walter

Age - 54

Occupation: Mother and primary teacher

Why should people vote for you? What are your election promises?

I have offered you my servant-hood.I popped up from within us, the quiet Majority.

Everybody feels either overwhelmed or complacent.

I'm pretty sure I would fight the hardest for you and therefore you would be successful.

I wish you all the very best.

• Candidates Darren Ludlow and Sir Tim Shadbolt did not provide a response.