Nelson's vibrant diversity has kept me here for 20 years after living in Asia and experiencing Europe. Family, studies and community involvement kept me grounded. 

19 years service in public and private sectors including Internal Affairs, ACC, NCC, I've been mentored and inspired by good leaders, movers/shakers past, present and future − my ground training for forward leadership. I celebrate Nelson's successes and empathise with its frustrations. 

I diligently aim to deliver practical focus on core services, value for money, re−strengthened community engagement through businesses, sports, arts, interest groups; balanced distribution of resources on key projects, promote existing facilities, commitment to serve and authentic representation, promotion of Nelson's cultural diversity. 

5 years with International Red Cross, a Foreign Service degree covering Government, my interests expands to global issues affecting Nelson, better education, health especially for our tamariki. I think outside the square by enhancing local energy from a global perspective.

Top 5 Issues

1. CCTV - Consultation, Communication, Transparency and Value for Money (keeping an eye on Council spending and activities while looking after the community's best interest at heart)
2. Traffic education and management. No need for new road or more laning that is not environmentally sustainable.
3. Innovative marketing strategy to boost tourism, eg more Cruise Ships
4. Beautification strategy that will not lose any carparking.
5. Better positive partnership with TDC – protection of Waimea inlet, future water supply for the region, equal and fair funding of regional facilities. Forward-thinking & diplomatic settlement of differences.
   A sensible and affordable PPP (Public-Private Partnership) on key projects, events and wish list.

Personal Profile

Nelson’s vibrant diversity has attracted me here for the past 20 years after living in Asia and experiencing Europe.  Family, studies and community involvement has kept me grounded.

With nearly 19 years of service experience in the public sector - ACC, Department of Internal Affairs, Nelson Hospital and Nelson City Council – and 10 years in the private sector, e.g. The Nelson Mail, Nelson Polytech, - I am well-equipped to drive this region forward.  I have been a Personal Assistant to 3 Nelson Mayors and worked closely with Councillors and Council management for the past 14.5 years, I’m blessed to be at the hub of seeing and learning first hand the ebbs and flows of this community – its hurts and frustrations which I empathise with, its successes which I celebrate, some missed opportunities and opportunities to be had to continually grow.  I have learned the process and workings of local government inside and out from this past experience.   I have been mentored and inspired by good leaders, movers and shakers of the past, present and future. This has been my ground training for forward leadership.

My degree in Foreign Service (Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service - with Honours Suma Cum Laude) majoring in Political Science, Economics, International Relations, Law and Government fuels my interest in local and world affairs that are likely to impact on the Nelson region.  I also worked with the International Committee of the Red Cross for 5 years and had formal training at its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland for my role as a Research and Tracing Assistant helping the families of political prisoners and refugees.  I was an active Youth Leader representing my country in the 1983 International Youth Year held in the Sultanate of Oman, Middle East.  My interests expands to both national and global issues likely to impact on Nelson, eg. the apple industry, free trade, etc..  I think outside the square by stimulating local energy from a global perspective. Life skills, sincerity in helping people and the community, interest in government and politics hopefully all adds up in my aspiration to be one of Nelson's policy-makers.  I currently chair the new Nelson-Marlbourough Red Cross Area Council.

My core essence for running is to be a catalyst of true mixed representation in Council leadership so Nelson can maximise and appreciate the benefits & value of its rich diversity from a growing migrant community.  A UNITY IN DIVERSITY where progress encourages all of us to get involved and help one another; where progress has no room for discrimination, bigotry, tall poppy syndrome and stereotyping.

As a migrant Kiwi, I strongly believe that we need to walk the talk of embracing our multi-cultural society and inspire others to step out of the box and get actively involved in this place we call home – Nelson, New Zealand.   We cannot just be here for others’ cultural entertainment and cultural curiosity.  After all we are the Mainstream New Zealanders – we are business owners, fruit pickers, fish filleters, cleaners, community workers and volunteers.  Importantly, we are ratepayers affected by every decision the Council makes.  We should be concerned and ask the questions:  Where our money is going?  Why?  What for?  and How much?   Let me be your voice to ask these questions and advocate for your right to know.

I support:

• re-focus on core services, completion of key infrastructures,
• re-vitalised partnerships with the community, businesses, sports and arts; 
• balanced distribution of resources; re-prioritised projects.
• promotion of existing facilities
• better education, health and active participation of our young people in the community.
• Better quality of life for our elderlies.
• better support and recognition for our volunteers.  

On current issues, I support much better and clearer:

• CCTV - Consultation, Communication, Transparency and Value for Money (keeping an eye on Council spending and activities while looking after the community's best interest at heart)
• Traffic education and management. No need for new road or more laning that is not environmentally sustainable.
• Innovative marketing strategy to boost tourism, eg more Cruise Ships.
• Beautification strategy that will not lose any carparking.  
• Better positive partnership with TDC – protection of Waimea inlet, future water supply for the region, equal and fair funding of regional facilities.  Forward-thinking & diplomatic settlement of differences. 
• A sensible and affordable PPP (Public-Private Partnership) on key projects, events and wish list.

Please join the Red Cross, the Nsn Multi-Ethnic Council, support the Hospice, and help local and international aid agencies!   Be a blessing to someone today – helping, smiling.  Stay positive.

I am MARIE JOHNSTONE.  Please let me in amongst the 12.  Thank you very much.

Just a preview of some of my forward thinking:

• A Community Radar – where affected communities and neighbourhood will be informally informed of any Council activity or project in their area, regardless whether these activities are non-notifiable or do not require consultation.
• Community – Business engagement that will encourage businesses to support volunteer community organizations more, e.g. through sponsorship, company staff helping in fund-raising;  while the volunteer organization help promote the business.
• Promote government-subsidised existing training institutions, eg. Skills Update Institute, NMIT, and other training providers that would help migrants, youths and Nelsonians out-of-work to train or re-train for work skills that are required in Nelson or help them set up their own business.
• without the need of new road build
• One-way-in & One-way-out, improved public transport and road education as another option to investigate for the Nelson Land Strategy issue, ing and community groups arguing.