Vish Prasad
Candidate for Councillor
- Blenheim Ward (Marlborough)
I’m standing for council because I know I can truly help build a brighter future for our community—by listening, serving, and making sure our resources are used wisely.
Innovative. Talented. Caring.
- A Real People Person
I take a balanced and diplomatic approach and try to help everyone I can.
I value and promote Peace, Hope and Justice.
Authorised by Vish Prasad
Phone: 022 076 0070
Email: vishforcouncil@gmail.com
My Pledge
Our youth are our future. They come into this world innocent, stepping into the society we’ve built.
Everything I’m working on is not just for today, but to create a brighter tomorrow for them.
I want every young person to have a roof over their head, food on the table, and clean water to drink.
I want them to grow up in a community with strong infrastructure, where they are safe, supported, and given the best chance to succeed.
I know what it’s like to grow up in poverty — my family has lived through it — and I don’t want any child to face those struggles.
That’s why this is more than just policy for me. It’s a promise: to put our youth first, to fight for their future, and to help build a Marlborough they can be proud to inherit.
About Me
From a young age, I witnessed hardship and devastation—both in my local community and around the world. Whether it was stories on the news, challenges faced by my community, or struggles within my own family, these experiences left a lasting mark.
I saw the difficulties people faced up close, and even as a child, I made myself a promise: to do everything I could to help make this world a better place. That promise has guided every step of my journey since.
I grew up surrounded by electronics and technology, constantly tinkering, learning, and finding ways to improve things. Whether it was repairing something broken, figuring out how a device worked, or teaching myself new skills,
I was driven by curiosity and the belief that solutions—no matter how small—can change lives. That mindset became my foundation: work hard, keep learning, and use every skill to help others.
I was born in Fiji and moved to Blenheim in 2010 when my dad became a victim of a serious car accident here. Our family came to support his recovery—and through that journey, Blenheim became our home.
Growing up, we struggled financially, and I started working young to support my family. Back in Fiji, I worked as a DJ and sound engineer, and began training as an apprentice architect.
After moving to New Zealand, I took on all kinds of jobs—from vineyards to factory work—just to cover immigration fees and make ends meet.
Those early experiences taught me resilience, hard work, and the value of community—lessons I carry with me every day.
In 2013, I finally saved just enough money to attend Massey University in North Shore and start my journey to studying Mechatronics. My dream was to use robotics and astronautics as a way to create solutions and wealth that could help people and improve lives.
Unfortunately, due to a family crisis, I had to pause my studies and return home to support them.
In 2014, I joined Mitre10 Marlborough, starting on the floor and quickly moving into estimating and trade services. I saw ways to improve the process, and within months, transformed how things were done—making quoting faster, more accurate, and more builder-friendly.
Over the next decade, I worked my way up to Trade Sales and Services Manager, becoming the go-to and the fix-it guy for tradies, customers, and colleagues.
By age 29, I had bought my first home—a goal that took years of working days, nights, and weekends, pushing myself to the point of burnout.
I often found myself in leadership roles—not only through promotions, but because people naturally gravitated towards me, trusting me to guide them, solve problems, and keep things moving.
Now working in real estate, I use my knowledge and care to help families find homes and make confident property decisions.
I make friends wherever I go and deeply care about their well-being. Here in Blenheim, I have made friends who are just like family!
Among the friendships I’ve made, one stands out above all: meeting my wife, Gunta, in 2010 through an online game. She was a healer, I was a guardian—and in real life, the roles stayed the same.
She lived in Latvia, and I was in New Zealand, but we formed a deep bond living half a world apart. We supported each other through years of long-distance friendship, always showing up when it mattered.
In 2022, I flew to the UK to finally meet her in person. We travelled over 3,000 kilometres together, and it confirmed what we had always felt—our connection was real. She is my soulmate!
Later that year, she moved to New Zealand, and we were married. In 2024, we welcomed our daughter, Sonya, into our lives.
They, along with my wider family, are my everything—and the reason I work so hard to build a better, kinder future.
Taking Action
Beehive
Since I am running for Councillor in the Blenheim Ward, I believe it is important to network and learn not only about the council's operations from our current councillors but also to understand the larger framework, including the inner workings of parliament.
Fortunately, our local Blenheim boy and parliamentarian, also former councillor, Jamie Arbuckle, was more than happy to give me a tour and share his knowledge and experience. Thank you so much Jamie, really appreciate the help.
I have not only learnt that Jamie is extremely tall but that there is a lot of hard work that goes behind the scene which most people don't realize.
With this networking and knowledge, I aim to better help our community.
Development
I am already engaging with developers, builders, tradies, architects, engineers, surveyors, and planners to identify where processes and costs can be improved in our council.
The goal: promote growth, create jobs, and strengthen our community’s prosperity.
Investment
I am networking with the Marlborough Property Investors’ Association, local business owners, and entrepreneurs to understand the needs and how to have a healthy investment market.
Attending events to grow ideas, connections, and opportunities, including ways to revitalise the CBD.
Social Housing
As a community, we need to look after each other, especially our most vulnerable. Currently, I am in talks with CMM - Christchurch Methodist Mission and seeing how we can work with our investors and developers, creating an environment where we can help each other.
Public Transport
I’m learning more about our public transport system and the delivery of this to our community, making sure public transport works for the people who need it most, including students (especially in rural areas), the elderly, and those living with disabilities.
Food
I am in talks with hunters and butchers about carefully harvesting game meat and getting it safely to our local food bank.
Connecting with large landholders and farmers to see how we can use a little bit of their land to grow vegetables for our community.
Planning the processes and possibilities for more council-owned community gardens, how to fund, maintain and harvest.
Water
I am exploring options like subsidised home water filters to remove undesirable substances. Also looking at the option of setting up strategically placed artesian water outlets, where the community can collect fresh, natural drinking water from the source.
I support holding a local referendum before adding any substances to our water supply. Decisions about our water should be made here in Marlborough by our council and community — not dictated by central government with one-size-fits-all rules.
Healthcare
I am engaging with healthcare staff to identify needs and solutions. Advocating for initiatives like an annual fundraiser to help fund extra staff and essential equipment.
Disaster Management
Disaster management is vital — with floods, earthquakes, and the looming rupture of the Alpine Fault right on our doorstep, we have to be ready for the worst. I want Marlborough to have strong, practical plans in place, and I’m keen to work alongside the officials already doing the hard yards to keep our community safe and prepared.
These are some initiatives I have already undertaken in a short time to help our community grow, and more initiatives are ongoing...
Key Focus
NOT LIMITED TO
RMA Reform Ready
What it is: Upcoming resource management changes that impact building, development, and the environment.
Why it matters: Poorly managed reforms can increase costs and slow down projects or discourage further growth.
What I’m doing: Using my building knowledge and industry network to scrutinise incoming changes that hinder growth or create unnecessary costs, and advocating for solutions that benefit our community and industry professionals.
Development & Opportunities
What it is: Making development in Marlborough easier, faster, and more cost-effective, encouraging more investors and projects.
Why it matters: More development means more jobs, better infrastructure, stronger communities, and a thriving local economy.
What I’m doing: Collaborating with investors, local businesses, and specialists to reduce costs and barriers, attract investment, and create practical opportunities for growth in Marlborough.
Transparent Leadership
What it is: Open communication about council decisions, budgets, and priorities.
Why it matters: Transparency builds trust and ensures the council is accountable to ratepayers.
What I’m doing: Promoting open communication and accountability by sharing council insights, decisions, and updates clearly with the community, and holding more open-door meetings to hear directly from residents.
Strong Voice for Community
What it is: Representing the interests of Marlborough residents.
Why it matters: Decisions affect everyday life — rates, services, and community development.
What I’m doing: Listening to residents, consulting experts, and pushing for solutions that reflect our community’s needs. I will always stand my ground and oppose non-elected members having decision-making power.
More Events & Entertainment
What it is: Festivals, markets, and community activities that bring people together.
Why it matters: A lively town keeps people engaged, attracts visitors, and supports local businesses.
What I’m doing: Proposing seasonal festivals, weekly outdoor movies, and Friday night markets by closing Market Street from 5 PM. Supporting free CBD parking from 10 AM – 2 PM. Launching a week-long Harvest Festival at the end of the season to celebrate workers and reinvest earnings back into the community.
Watchful Spending
What it is: Responsible management of council funds.
Why it matters: Smart, efficient spending protects ratepayers and ensures money goes where it matters most.
What I’m doing: No silly stuff — focusing on the basics first. I’ll explore alternative revenue streams, prioritise projects wisely, and scrutinise spending to avoid unnecessary rate hikes, while investing in growth that benefits our community.
Health & Community Support
What it is: Strong healthcare services supported by staff, equipment, and community organisations.
Why it matters: A healthy community is a resilient community. Access to healthcare and support services ensures people can live well and contribute fully.
What I’m doing: Advocating for the health sector by pushing for more staff, resources, and an annual fundraiser to support both staffing and vital equipment. I also stand with and advocate for local businesses, charities, and organisations that strengthen our community.
Food & Clean Water
What it is: Ensuring access to affordable, healthy food and clean drinking water, while keeping community food banks well-stocked.
Why it matters: These are the basics of wellbeing. Without them, families and communities cannot thrive.
What I’m doing: Working with farmers, landowners, and council on community food gardens, while also partnering with hunters and butchers to donate meat to food banks safely. I’ll also back initiatives that cut food waste and protect Marlborough’s water quality through measures our community agrees on.
Key Dates
Delivery of Voting Documents
9th September to 22th September
Voting Period
9th September to 11th October
Meet the Candidates
- Marlborough Chamber of Commerce
Thursday 11th September (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
- Lansdowne Sports Hub
6B Lansdowne Street, Mayfield, Blenheim 7201
*Must Register -
business.marlboroughchamber.nz
Meet the Candidates
- Grey Power (Blenheim)
Monday 22nd September (10:00 AM and 7:00 PM)
- Star of the Sea Catholic Parish, Blenheim
61 Maxwell Rd, Blenheim
Voting Closes
11th October
- Close of voting at 12 noon
Preliminary Results Announced
12th October
If you enrol after Friday 1st August
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If you enrol or update your address after 1 August 2025, you won’t get your voting papers sent to you in the mail. You’ll need to contact your council’s electoral officer.
Dean Heiford | 03 520 7447 | dean.heiford@marlborough.govt.nz
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The last day to enrol to vote in the local elections is Friday 10 October 2025.
How to check if you're enrolled or update your details
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Visit vote.nz
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Phone 0800 36 76 56
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Free text your name and address to 3676 to enrol to vote or to update your enrolment details.
How to submit your vote
Drop off your vote
There will be a number of locations throughout the Marlborough District where you can drop off your completed voting paper into the orange medium size wheelie bins. This includes the Marlborough Library Te Kahu o Waipuna, Picton Library and Service Centre Waitohi Whare Matauranga, Marlborough Airport, supermarkets and Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000.
Click here for - Bin Locations
Post your vote
You should post your completed vote using any DX Mail or New Zealand Post street receiver locations by Tuesday 7th October 2025 so it can reach us before 12 noon on election day, Saturday 11th October 2025.
Contact Me
I'm eager to hear from you. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or just want to have a conversation, I'm here to listen. Your input is invaluable, and I am committed to being accessible to the community.
Email: vishforcouncil@gmail.com
Phone: 022 076 0070