Zone 5 representative/Nelson City Council

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Rohan O’Neill-Stevens

“I continually get to have the most encouraging, educational and challenging conversations with people from all works of life.”

In 2019, Rohan O’Neill-Stevens returned home to Whakatū Nelson after two years abroad, and was both frustrated by a lack of progress across the city and excited by the possibilities for change.

Four months later they were being sworn in as Nelson’s youngest ever councillor.  

Outside of the council chambers, Rohan spends their time on boards, volunteering, studying and participating in national-level political organisations. These roles enable them to see inspiring projects, to better understand areas that could be improved locally, and to stay rooted in the community they represent. 

With all those jobs, it’s no surprise their biggest challenge is being able to switch-off, always spotting things that need to be sorted or questions to be answered. 

Rohan’s adamant that local government shapes lives in huge ways – the quality of water, how people travel to school or work, what social and cultural offerings are available, the affordability of housing, and so many other things that are all core to a person’s wellbeing. 

A more vibrant local democracy, they believe, would be achieved with greater diverse representation, finding alternative funding mechanisms, and having the Electoral Commission run elections. 

As for their ‘why’ – it’s the community that call Whakatū Nelson home. They’re the reason they returned, the reason they stay, and the reason Rohan does this mahi.