Hello

I’m Grant Smith, I want a better future for Palmerston North and I’m asking you to make me your number one choice for Mayor. Please read this and find out why.

Born and bred in the Manawatu, I attended West End and Palmerston North Boys’ High Schools. I am a City Councillor and Mayoral Candidate with real world commerce and business experience. I have a head for business and a heart for community, previously winning Manawatu Business of the Year and Sports Administrator of the Year five times.

I want a more prosperous future for the city. I have the personal drive and energy to lead Council, seize our opportunities and deliver results.

Married to Michelle, I am very much a family man. We have two teenage children. Regan is 20 and studies at Massey University. Emma is 18 and is working in retail until she heads to uni. We live on a lifestyle block in the Turitea Valley and have run a successful, local business for the last 23 years.

I am lucky to have the support of my wife and family to run for Mayor of Palmerston North.

Over the years I have served the community at a grass roots level and also brought national and world events to the city. I have been on the Boards of Te Manawa, Hokowhitu School, Manawatu Rugby, NZ Rugby Museum, Squash NZ and Chaired the Boards of Central Districts Squash, SquashGym and Destination Manawatu. I was the Chairman of the ‘Save the Turbos’ campaign - It was worth saving.

Standing for

I want Palmerston North to be “Open for Business”.
The economy is our city’s No. 1 issue. I’m standing to create better partnerships with our business community and build on our regional strengths. A Smith-led council will:

Create a vibrant CBD
Promote business growth for more jobs
Build on the Massey University and Food HQ strengths
Remove unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape

I’m for a Palmerston North that attracts people to a healthy, safe, prosperous and vibrant community. A Smith-led council will:

Give ratepayers value for money
Look after the Manawatu River
Develop sustainable, financial models
Improve Council efficiencies

I’m an advocate for developing our Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture. A Smith-led council will:

Modernise Arena Manawatu
Promote walking tracks and cycling
Champion Sports and Events
Invest in quality Community facilities

I have a head for business, a heart for community and a passion for Palmerston North, Green and White are my colours.
As Mayor I will use my proven experience to bring people together into an effective, winning team for the betterment of all residents in our city. Putting Palmerston North First!