
I promise that I will:
1Be honest about the science and the community’s needs and best interests.
2Take responsibility for council’s actions, and proactively communicate my perspective.
3Increase the resilience of our community by supporting strategic initiatives around food, water and shelter.
A bit about me:
I'm a 47-year-old father, Professional Engineer, tertiary educator and 15 year Invercargill resident.
Nathan is currently active in professional engineering as a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning 'Subject Matter Expert' (HVAC SME), and also works scoping renewable energy projects. With over two decades design, energy auditing and project engineering experience, he blends deep insight into energy, economics and ecology with a talent for listening and learning.
A father of four school-aged kids, Nathan stays stubbornly hopeful about their future while remaining clear-eyed about the region’s challenges and limits. He is Co-Chair of the Wise Response Society, working for over a decade to ask the question of our political leaders: "As demand for growth exceeds earth’s physical limits, causing unprecedented risks, what knowledge and changes do we need to secure New Zealand’s future wellbeing?"
When time allows, you’ll spot him cycling Invercargill’s trails or tramping, hunting and mountain-biking in Southland’s magnificent wilderness—reminders of the taonga he’s determined to protect.
A vote for Nathan is a vote for practical know-how, long-term vision and positive change—building a stronger, more resilient future for every Southlander.
Community Resilience.
Future generations are relying on us to take strong action.
We’ve seen all kinds of limits coming, now regional councils must act!
I’m an advocate for
- Community resilience building -supporting our people to recover well from crises such as natural disasters, economic shocks, etc.
- Renewable Energy - did you know that Environment Southland has a responsibility in its Regional Policy Statement to provide education to the community on this matter? Apparently they don't either..!
- Regional food self-sufficiency - lets meet our own needs from within the region first!
- Targeted investments in our infrastructure - e.g water systems that address multiple drivers - distributed rainwater storage on a home by home basis, rather than a second supply into a network that would fail in a big earthquake.
The sorts of changes that are indicated have many opportunities associated with them, and I want to be on council to ensure that the issues considered are not just the negative aspects.
I'm amenable to the idea of a Unitary Council as New Zealand can't afford wasteful duplication of standard regulatory functions.
Actually Fresh Water...
A Safe and Secure drinking water supply, with Environment Southland working proactively with Invercargill City Council.
Ensure clean, safe, reliable drinking water is delivered to Invercargill and Bluff.
High nitrate levels have already cost the city an extra treatment plant ($11.5M), and continue to be a concern regarding the increased risk of colo-rectal cancer. Southland surface and ground water nitrate levels have continued to worsen over time, as have cancer rates.
Rather than 'ambulance at the bottom of the cliff' water treatment, the Regional Council should ensure swimmable rivers are a clear policy objective, which then gives ICC options for lighter treatment of river and bore water. We don't want a nitrate issue like Gore and we're heading the wrong way. Several key catchments for the Oreti River have high groundwater nitrate levels.
The Oreti river nearly ran dry in recent years, which would mean no water in town mains and your taps!
On top of all of that, an Alpine Fault earthquake (75% chance in the next 50 years!) will disrupt town water supply. We must encourage residential rainwater storage options as an Emergency Management initiative.Ways to connect: