vote #1 Nelson Harper for Palmerston North City Council

vote #1 Nelson Harper for Palmerston North City Councilvote #1 Nelson Harper for Palmerston North City Councilvote #1 Nelson Harper for Palmerston North City Council

 

Practical leadership for a thriving, future-ready Palmy

Nelson Harpe Palmerston North City Council councillor candidate supporting community and innovation

VOTE NELSON HARPER - PALMERSTON NORTH CITY council elections

TE HIRAWANUI GENERAL WARD

Vote from Tuesday 9 September – Saturday 11 October 2025

Why I’m Running for Palmerston North City Council

I love this city and I believe in what it can become.


I’m not a career politician. I’m someone who listens, who solves problems, and who isn’t afraid to dig in and do the work.


If you’re looking for a candidate who combines real-world experience, community involvement, and a clear vision for the future, I’d be proud to have your vote.


 Vote Nelson Harper in the Palmerston North local election 2025 

My Priorities

My Priorities

My Priorities

  •  A City That Works for Everyone
    Palmy should be a place where people can afford to live, grow, and thrive. I support smart, practical decisions that keep rates and housing costs under control while maintaining great public services without wasteful spending.  I support more recreational activities and more car parks in the CBD, at a lower cost. I will pursue more diversified revenue streams and shared investment from other councils towards regionally beneficial infrastructure.


  • Innovation That Improves Daily Life
    We have the talent and creativity to lead in sustainability, digital tools, and urban design. I believe in practical innovation that makes life easier like better transport, smarter infrastructure, and using local products and services to grow our economy. I will support local innovators and the development of our local and regional economy to create more jobs, more vibrancy, and more local innovation.

My Priorities

My Priorities

  • Protecting What Makes Palmy Special
    Our rivers, parks, and air quality are part of who we are. I support environmental leadership that’s grounded in common sense, protecting our environment in ways that are practical, measurable, and community-focused. Protecting the environment is important, and I want to make sure this is a priority so we can all live in a beautiful, clean and safe city. I will continue fighting for this as I always have, and keep getting my hands dirty where it matters.


  •  Backing Local Leadership and Culture
    I’m passionate about growing the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives. By supporting arts, culture, and community events, we make Palmy a city that’s vibrant, proud, and a great place for all ages to call home. My emphasis will be on supporting initiatives that bring value to the city, and encourage more philanthropic funding for niche projects.

Nelson Harper, candidate for PNCC council

Standing for Community, Innovation, Practical Solutions

 Hi, I’m Nelson Harper, and I’m running for Palmerston North City Council.


Palmerston North is where I’ve built a business, started a family, and found a deep sense of belonging. It’s a city full of potential, and I want to help shape its future with practical, forward-thinking leadership.


I’m the founder of Precycle NZ, a sustainability consultancy working with councils and businesses across the lower North Island. I’ve helped deliver waste strategies and environmental planning for organisations such as Toyota NZ, Foodstuffs, and several local authorities. My work focuses on the circular economy, smart planning, and delivering real results. I help organisations reduce waste, cut costs, and build sustainable systems that work.


By trade, I’m a chemical bioprocess engineer, but I’m also deeply involved in our local community. I chair the Palmerston North branch of the NZ Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA), serve on the board of Just Zilch, and founded the Palmerston North Repair Café. I’ve also served on the boards of Engineering NZ, Young Engineers, was a founding board member of Repair Cafe Aotearoa NZ (RCANZ) and was chair of the Manawatū Young Chamber. 


This combination of technical experience, governance roles, and community involvement has prepared me to contribute effectively and deliver real progress.


If elected, I will:

  • Support smart innovation that creates jobs and improves quality of life
     
  • Protect our environment through practical and financially responsible solutions
     
  • Strengthen community connection by improving collaboration across sectors and neighbourhoods
     
  • Advocate for regional projects to include contributions from other councils so Palmerston North ratepayers are not carrying the full cost
     
  • Help bring more life into the CBD by reducing parking costs, increasing parking availability, and making it easier to access 


I’m running as an independent because my values don’t fit within party lines.
I care about the environment and the economy.
My focus is strong communities, smart innovation, and practical solutions that make financial sense. 


Vote #1 Nelson Harper for Palmerston North City Council – Te Hirawanui Ward.


If you already have a preferred candidate, I would be proud to have your #2 or #3 vote. I’ll work hard, listen closely, and bring both experience and energy to every decision.


Let’s build a smarter, fairer, and more connected city together.

Industries I’ve Worked In

Industries I’ve Worked In

Industries I’ve Worked In

  • Sustainability & Environmental Consulting – leading waste audits, emissions plans, circular economy strategy, and infrastructure proposals across the lower North Island  


  • Local Government – collaborating with councils as a consultant or advocate for the community on waste infrastructure, river health, and long-term planning  


  • International Trade & Policy – representing NZ in Southeast Asia through SEA CAPE and publishing reports on investment and sustainability

  

  •  Education & Research – guest lecturing, mentoring students, and contributing to national and international sustainability forums   


  •  Food & Beverage Manufacturing – Hands-on roles supporting product development and sustainability for companies like McCain, ANZCO Foods, Cedenco, Turks Poultry and Bread Craft. Meat Industry Association scholar.




Industries I’ve Worked In

Industries I’ve Worked In

  • Community Development – running grassroots initiatives like the Palmerston North Repair Café and Palmy’s Plastic Pollution Challenge with Environment Network Manawatū


  • Construction & Demolition – consulting on recovery, reuse and recycling of C&D waste materials. 

  

  • Agriculture & Horticulture – including sustainability innovation and an industry immersion with Zespri, NZ Apples & Pears, and Horticulture NZ
     
  • Landscaping & Labouring – worked as a landscaper, hammer hand, and contractor in early career
     
  • Healthcare & Aged Care – served as an enrolled and assistant nurse in hospital and aged-care facilities in early career
     

Community & Governance Roles

Community & Governance Roles

Community & Governance Roles

  • Chair and President, Palmerston North Branch – NZ Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA)


  • Board Member, Just Zilch – NZ’s longest-running free food store specialising in food rescue


  • Independant Advisory Board Member, Central Environmental – Lower North Islands recycling facility for construction materials 

Community & Governance Roles

Community & Governance Roles

  • Former Chair, Manawatū Young Chamber (affiliated with the Manawatū Business Chamber)


  • Guest speaker, lecturer and advocate on local environmental policy, international waste systems, and circular economy innovation


  • Former Committee Member for Engineering NZ local branch and Former Board Member for ENZ National Wellness Board

CONNECT WITH ME

Additional Information

Please reach out to me at nelsonharper.pn@gmail.com to talk about any idea, concerns or questions you have about the future of Palmerston North City.


Find out more about my business Precycle NZ at www.precycle.co.nz

All content/images are authorised by Nelson Harper

Copyright © 2025 Nelson Harper for Palmerston North Council - All Rights Reserved.

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