Blenheim Ward
Cathie BELL
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
I have lived in Marlborough for 15 years, moving here to be closer to family after working with Government ministers and a career in media. I run a communications consultancy, helping Marlborough businesses gain media coverage and supporting local groups to connect with government and industry.
I am active in business, church, and community organisations, including chairing the Mistletoe Bay Trust, Marlborough Farmers’ Market, and Electrify Marlborough, and also on the Edwin Fox Preservation Trust, Feast Marlborough, and Marlborough Herb Society.
I’m deeply involved in Marlborough, from food and language to energy and heritage - I value diversity. I care about Marlborough and its people. I’m committed to making thoughtful, practical decisions with integrity, accountability, and common sense. I am approachable, available, and listen carefully.
I’d be honoured to bring my experience, energy, and commitment to serve Blenheim as your councillor. Please vote Cathie Bell #1 for the Blenheim Ward.
Tamsin COOPER
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
I’m standing for Council to champion collaboration, innovation, and people-powered progress in Marlborough.
I bring creative vision, strategic thinking, and real-world experience supporting small business and local industry. My experience spans economic development, destination marketing and advisory roles in the arts, across local government and the private sector. I also bring 12 years of entrepreneurial experience as founder of my nationally recognised fashion label, Tamsin Cooper.
Since settling in Marlborough with my family two years ago, I have fallen in love with this region. We are proud to call Blenheim our home, and committed to helping it thrive — for families, local businesses, and the next generation.
As a mother of five—including children with disabilities—I’m passionate about inclusive services, accessible infrastructure, and ensuring every voice is heard.
I can help shape a Marlborough that values connection, celebrates innovation, and puts people at the heart of every decision. tamsincooper.co.nz
David CROAD
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
Having lived in Marlborough for 44 years, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities this region has provided through school, sport, recreation, and business. Since being elected to Council in 2019, and serving as a councillor and Deputy Mayor, I’ve brought my experience in business ownership, management, coaching, and mentoring to support decisions that shape a thriving Marlborough.
I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and delivered this term, investing in our people, quality of life, and natural environment, all during an extraordinary period of high inflation and economic uncertainty.
As we look to the future, Marlborough has a significant programme of work to deliver in the Long Term Plan, along with the challenges of Government reform and legislative change. These challenges call for stable, progressive, and responsible governance.
I respectfully seek your continued support in October to build on our progress and ensure strong, community-focused leadership through the next term.
Deborah DALLIESSI
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
From a young age, my father instilled in me the importance of serving our community—a value that continues as I seek re-election to represent you on Council.
My background spans finance (Treasury), tourism, education, and health sectors, alongside governance experience on national and regional boards.
With this experience, I understand the importance of future-proofing infrastructure while driving smart efficiencies. I’m a councillor that dives deep and challenges the status quo, and makes decisions grounded on facts and community needs.
I know real-life challenges. After losing my husband, I raised three children alone- building resilience, responsibility, and determination.
I’ll continue to be a strong, practical voice for accountability, value for money and smarter decisions.
I believe in nothing about us without us: people must stay at the heart of policy. Transparency, communication and true engagement are non-negotiable. I have the time, energy, and experience to keep working for you.
Brian DAWSON
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
I am 55. I have been married to Tricia for 30 years. We have operated businesses in Marlborough for 19 years and I served as Manager of the Chamber of Commerce before being elected to Council in 2013.
I have been a Councillor for 12 years and bring the voice of experience to the Council table. I am proud of what the Council has achieved but there remains much to do to make our region the best place in New Zealand to live, work, study and do business. I believe that we need a lean, fit and enabling Council that is going to deliver the very best outcome for residents. We must focus on our youth and help them build an exciting future for themselves. I am also very mindful of the needs of our older citizens and that rates must be kept affordable.
Rank Brian Dawson Number One.
Cyril DAWSON
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
I have lived in Blenheim for 53 years and have been actively involved in the local music and sports scenes. I know the lay of the land.
With time spent on committees and boards of sports clubs and educational institutions, I bring a forward thinking practical approach and different perspective to local decision making. What you see is what you get.
I am standing for Council to represent the average Joe, to help create a more inclusive transparent and resilient Blenheim.
Being from a working class background and as someone who has just earned his Super Gold Card, I know how tough it is out there.
I believe that strong communities are built through equity, accountability and access to quality services.
What Luxon and Bishop have said about councils reigning in their spending I said three years ago, and I stand by that sentiment # Needs B4 Niceties.
Ni FRUEAN
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area. I am also standing for Mayor.
Meet Aniva Amy Fruean.
I’m back September 2025.
I am standing for mayor of Blenheim and councilor of Blenheim ward.
I believe in creating real possibilities Marlborough future.
I am passionate about sharing new and old ideas that reflect what we need in life.
I had a serious car accident and being living with brain injury since 1995.
I take medication and have the support of a care giver, doctor, nurse and numerous supports.
I live in a Kaingaora house and on living independent benefit.
My journey has made me more caring resilient and determined.
With a caring heart and honest approach I listen and act with integrity.
I am committed to helping people feel seen, heard and to up-skill them to live a great life in Marlborough.
By working together I can build connection and growth for anyone in Marlborough.
Vote Aniva Fruean - my preferred name Ni.
Dominique GREENSLADE
Independent
My principal place of residence is not in the Blenheim Ward area.
I came to New Zealand with my husband David in the 1970s from England and France.
We both found work in Christchurch where we had decided to live. I used my experience as a receptionist-typist to work a few years for a Real Estate Agency. Then I became a full-time mother with three children for sixteen years.
I decided to update my administrative skills through working at the Christchurch Polytechnic for two years.
My husband had started a Family Business and I went to help him, operating as a receptionist to grow and establish a reputable customer service with good communications and reliability.
Generally, I have always been interested to meet new people and wanted to help them when the need arose.
I have never been afraid to learn new ways for improving life in general. Meeting people from different backgrounds and race can be such an enriching experience.
John HYNDMAN
ACT Local: Real Change. Lower Rates.
My principal place of residence is not in the Blenheim Ward area.
I’m standing for Marlborough District Council because I believe ratepayers deserve better. In tough times, every dollar needs to be used wisely.
I'm a retired Specialist Anaesthetist who worked for many years at Wairau Hospital. These days, I run a medical immigration business that helps bring overseas doctors and nurses to work in New Zealand. Through both medicine and business, I’ve learned how important it is to be organised, take responsibility, and make decisions that actually work in real life. That’s how I think councils should operate too.
By voting for me as an ACT Local Candidate, you know what you’re going to get: I will keep rates down, focus on delivering the essential services like roads and water, stop the wasteful spending, and reduce red tape for residents and businesses.
If you want to see more common sense around the council table, please give me your first preference vote.
Buks LUNDT
My principal place of residence is not in the Blenheim Ward area.
I am originally from South Africa, now a true Marlburian in heart and soul.
We are all incredibly lucky and indeed blessed to be able to live, work and play in the beautiful Marlborough region.
My vision for Marlborough is to make it a destination of choice, the cleanest region in NZ and an affordable, vibrant place to live, work and to do business in.
Times are tough, I will scrutinize spending and hold the council accountable. I will work hard to keep rates as low as possible without compromising essential services.
No more vanity projects.
Let’s keep it simple and focus on the basics to ensure a sound future for generations to come.
If you are happy with the current status quo please do not vote for me as I am committed to drive change.
Nyara NYAJENA
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
I’m Nyara Nyajena a resilient African woman from Zimbabwe proudly living in Marlborough. Mother of two boys, an author of Youth with Destiny, motivational speaker, and owner of an events and catering business. My background spans diverse customer service roles, mental health service coordinator within healthcare, and case management with Auckland Transport prior to relocating to Blenheim. I currently serve as a Child, Family, and Employment Service Coordinator in the disability sector and as a trustee for OSCAR after-school care. With over 20 years in community and church leadership, I bring experience, professionalism, empathy, and energy. I’m standing to champion empowering communities for safety and success, safe spaces for families and children, energising Marlborough’s business scene and promoting tourism, efficient public transport system, affordable rates, clean drinking water, and a greener environment. Let’s light up Marlborough and extract more potential, together we can build a thriving city for all generations.
Aimee PAYNE
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
As a mother and active community member, I’m standing for Council to help build a vibrant, resilient, and connected Marlborough where our community can truly thrive.
Over the past decade, I’ve worked alongside local groups to create meaningful opportunities, not only for my own children, but for many others across our region.
Through roles within Nature School, Skate Marlborough, and Rārangi Surf Club, I’ve built strong leadership skills, fostered environmental stewardship, and learned the value of working together to make lasting change.
I’m passionate about supporting locally owned businesses, community led initiatives, investing in safe, accessible public spaces, and sustainable practices that protect and care for our whenua and future generations.
I believe Marlborough needs collaborative, evidence based leadership that listens with empathy and acts with integrity.
I’m ready to listen, to learn, and to lead together.
Thank you.
For more information www.aimeepformdc.nz
Vish PRASAD
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
Growing up in Fiji, I witnessed a lot of hardship, both in the world and in my home country, including within my own family. As a kid, I promised myself that one day I’d help make this world a better place.
I have worked various jobs and spent a decade in the building industry, and now I work in real estate, helping families find homes where they feel secure. I’ve led teams, solved complex problems, and stood up for those who needed someone to fight for them.
The most important parts of my life are my wife, Gunta, and our baby girl, Sonya. They keep me grounded and remind me every day why it’s vital to build a better future.
I’m standing for council because I believe I can genuinely help create a brighter future for our community—by listening, serving, and ensuring our resources are used wisely.
Visit: vishforcouncil.com
Thelma SOWMAN
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
I am putting my name forward for another term on the Marlborough District Council as I wish to continue advocating for the people of Marlborough.
I have extensive business and governance knowledge which has helped me make sound judgements in the interest of our community.
I have a passion for our district and two terms on Council has given me the opportunity to make decisions on social, economic, infrastructure and environmental issues that will benefit Marlborough.
Environmental concerns are an important issue and I will continue to help ensure Council are doing all we can to protect our precious local environment for the present and future.
I have had the privilege of working with many Marlburians and have listened to their issues and ideas for our community.
I have also worked on by laws and hearings to help shape our community into a better and safer place to live.
Benjamin STACE
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
I am standing to offer a fresh, practical, and forward-looking voice for our community's future. The Council faces significant challenges that demand a practical, but aspirational long-term direction. With a career spanning council assets and over a decade in Architectural Design, I possess a unique understanding of the workings of council, along with the challenges and opportunities before us. I bring vision, a proven ability to achieve goals, and a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Marlborough is a remarkable place with immense potential. I am particularly passionate about revitalizing our CBD to create a thriving and enjoyable hub for Marlborough. We have the natural and human resources to achieve this, but we need a shared direction.
I am here to listen to you, to be your voice on the Council, and to collaborate on developing lasting solutions for our community.
Vote Ben for a Better Blenheim!
Bob WATSON
My principal place of residence is in the Blenheim Ward area.
I’ve lived in Marlborough with my family since 2007. I am committed to protecting my community’s best interests.
I worked for MDC between 2017-2022.
My role included microbial and chlorine testing of public drinking water services.
Central Government overreach has captured Local Authorities, rushed legislation and compromised the Democratic Process.
Local Government autonomy is essential to representing Local Residents concerns. Council must have realistic budgets, focus on essential services, integrate Public Feedback and keep rates affordable for all Constituents.
I oppose Council’s decision to setup an incorporated Water Services Organization, due to high initial costs compared to the In-House model, risks to our water services assets and uncertain long term benefits. Potential for future privatisation also exists.
I oppose unnecessary chlorination and fluoridation of our drinking water networks, because treatment isn’t well regulated and the potential of these halogens to harm human health.
We Are Water. Water's Our Life
