Three-term councillor latest to step down at election
After three terms, Nelson City councillor Brian McGurk says it’s time to step aside.
On Monday morning, McGurk confirmed he would not be seeking re-election to the council in October, saying local politics was never a ‘‘long-term career option’’.
‘‘When I came onto council in 2013, I thought I’d do two, or maybe three terms, make my contribution, then step aside to allow others the same opportunity. I feel that now is the right time.’’
McGurk is the fifth member of the 13-person council to announce they will be stepping down this year, after Mayor Rachel Reese, Deputy Mayor Judene Edgar and councillors Gaile Noonan and Kate Fulton also announcing they would not seek re-election.
McGurk said being a councillor had been ‘‘a hugely rewarding experience’’ that required a ‘‘significant time commitment’’.
He considered work to resource region council and environmental responsibilities among his achievements on council, along with reaching a decision about the Nelson Future Access and Rocks Road upgrade, and implementing the joint regional transport plan.
‘‘We are well set up to deliver a major step change in public transport in mid-2023, with more to come with active and safer transport networks,’’ he said.
He supported the Three Waters reforms, and said Nelson needed to have a longterm approach to water infrastructure. ‘‘Knowing what is coming with required renewals and upgrades in the coming decades plus the increasing regulatory, environmental and health standards, future ratepayers are going to be confronted by an escalating financial burden. That part has been overlooked in the debate.’’
Housing was also a major issue for the city, he said.
He had enjoyed the debates in the chamber, and working alongside the council staff, he said.
‘‘My preference has been to work quietly and co-operatively with others to get positive outcomes.’’ He planned to spend more time travelling overseas, with a tripped plan to see a grandchild in the United States born before lockdown, with another due shortly.
Nominations for local body candidates opened on Friday, and close on August 12.