Philip Holland
Last updated: 26 Aug, 2025 11:46am
Candidate Statement
My principal place of residence is not in the Carterton District.
I’m standing for Carterton District Council to bring principled, future-focused leadership to the decisions that shape our community. I live on a lifestyle block on the edge of Carterton and am an experienced policy advisor specialising in land and rural policy. I’ve also worked as a farmer, forestry worker, and horticulturalist.
I believe in honest conversations, evidence-based decisions, and listening deeply to those most affected by change. My leadership is grounded in empathy, service, and a strong sense of justice. I’m not afraid to ask hard questions or challenge systems that no longer serve us, but I always do so with humility, reflection, and collaboration.
Carterton deserves thoughtful, accountable leadership, especially as we face issues like Local Water Done Well, environmental stewardship, housing, and economic opportunity. I will work to ensure our district remains a place where people, land, and local democracy are respected and supported to thrive.
Video transcript
Hi, I’m Phil Holland. This is my first time in front of a camera, so what follows isn’t slick— but it is heartfelt.
I live on a lifestyle block in Parkvale and bring a background in farming, forestry, and horticulture.
These days I work as a policy advisor on land and environmental issues, and I’ve seen just how deeply council decisions affect daily life—on the land, in town, and at the kitchen table.
Carterton’s strength lies in its diversity. Bridging the rural– urban divide isn’t just possible— it’s essential.
Good leadership means honest conversations, deep listening, and making space for every voice, not just the loudest.
Over the next three years, my priorities are to:
• Champion efficiency without austerity—cut waste, not services.
• Back community-led ideas that reflect local strengths.
• Make decisions that solve today’s problems without creating new ones.
• Build transparency so people can engage without needing to shout.
The biggest challenge?
A small rating base with big responsibilities. Carterton must fund roads, water, and growth with limited resources—so we need smart, future-focused leadership that serves the whole community.
Ratepayers deserve value for money, not endless cost-cutting or box-ticking.
