Rick Murrell wants to help make Invercargill more of a city that thrives, and where young people want to live.
He and wife Andrea are both very active in the community and have helped welcome 200 Colombian families into the city in recent years.
Southland is deeply engrained in his roots on both sides of his family, from the farm in Waikawa to the Wilmot Pass in Doubtful Sound that his great-grandfather discovered.
A car salesman since the age 21, he holds the Southland Kia franchise that sponsors the Southern Steel, and has also held national governance roles as Director and President/Chair of the NZMTA.
Also involved in rugby circles as well as sponsoring indoor bowls and dog trials, his clients are also his friends, and while his commitments keep him busy, he never actually feels like he’s working.
“We’re not just giving money away, we are actually there.”
In his downtime you will find Rick at sea where he has been fishing and diving since he was 16, and it’s these experiences that he also offers Colombian families, to give them a real taste of the South.
Deciding to stand for council has given him a renewed sense of passion for the city, and he’s all for creating a more positive environment around the table.
“I am all for improved governance, helping provide a culture that works with business and community to get things done, and providing more ‘bang for your buck’ for ratepayers.”
“I want to see a city that all of Southland can be proud of. It’s about embracing the past as well.
“People’s attitudes are changing and people are starting to embrace all the ethnic cultures in the south, which is good to see.”