Philip Thompson

Party: Independent
Standing for: Nelson City Council - At Large
Video: Philip Thompson - Nelson City Council - At Large
Conflicts of Interest: Nil disclosed
Age: 43
Marital Status: Married
Children: Two fabulous boys
Links: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Phil-Thompson-for-Nelson-Council/155924071088251?ref=ts

I wish to become part of smart, transparent and visionary council that celebrates Nelson. When elected, I will enthusiastically support the elevation of Nelson as “the lifestyle city of New Zealand” for all residents, across all generations. How this is done could be as simple and affordable as improving and maintaining our core amenities such as parks, streets, cycle and walkways, squares, and foreshore areas, and linking and celebrating them through clever design and community activity.

Through my extensive business experience I recognise that improved planning consent processes are needed, as are lower rates, to encourage productivity, community wellbeing and sustainability. Council’s processes and projects across the board must also recognise the needs of both the young and old.

I am married with two young children, and have the energy to positively confront the challenges our city faces. I am also an active Trustee of the Kahurangi Employment Trust.

Top 5 Issues

Transport issues – making our roads, walkways and cycleways safer now, while planning for Rocks Road to only have light traffic, so more people enjoy walking and cycling along it.
Reconnecting the council with its public, and ensuring rates become affordable.
Positively embracing the aging population of Nelson. Establishing a Council of Elders Trust, which would be a consultative mechanism to ensure the ageing population have a voice on council.
Ensuring the city is visionary and flexible and able to leverage the positive opportunities presented to it.
Improving Nelson’s grass-roots’ sports and recreational facilities to ensure they are as accessible to the community as possible. This is on the premise that kids in sport, stay out of the courts.

Personal Profile

Phil is married to Emma and they have two children. Since graduating with a BA (Hons) Degree in Business and Public Administration in 1991, he has worked in construction-related industries in England and throughout New Zealand. Phil has always had a great interest in local community issues and is currently an active Trustee of the Kahurangi Employment Trust.

Authorised by Phil Thompson of 89 Princes Drive, Nelson

Questions answered by Philip Thompson

Question

Philip Thompson's Reply

Does Nelson region need a Conference Centre?

John, I presently work in the construction industry and I could easily declare that we need a council-owned convention centre right now but this would be short sighted and a bit selfish. I believe that rate payers deserve the best possible return on recent high level investments such as the extended Trafalgar Centre, The refurbished Theatre Royal, the Saxton Field complex and more recently the upgraded Trafalgar Park. However, I also do see that the conference market offers a great opportunity for the region but I question whether council is the best organisation to do this, so I do support Aldo Miccio\'s idea to set up a depoliticised organisation to sort out all our events venues as listed above, including a potential conference centre.

check out other candidate's answers

Nelson Southern Arterial Route - yes or no?

Yes. I believe that the Southern Arterial Link should go ahead but with conditions. These conditions being that the negative impact on communities in the locality is minimised, in fact the route should benefit the communities. The failure to do this previously with Tahunanui and Annesbrook should be a warning to us all