Nick Smith shows how to unite

Nick Smith announced:

I appointed Rohan O’Neill-Stevens as my deputy. It is a deliberate decision to build a more united council by appointing a Councillor of a different political persuasion and generation. Rohan shares my ambition for a more collegial Council, has a sharp mind and good understanding of Council processes. The combination of experience and pragmatism with youth and idealism will be good for Nelson.

This moved surprised some as Rohan stood against Nick for Mayor (was a credible 3rd), is only 22 and his politics are on the left.

But Nick has shown great sense with the appointment, as people want their Councils to work together, despite having some different philosophies.

I think it stands in contrast to Wellington where new Mayor Tory Whanau could have united the Council by appointing an experienced Councillor such as Nicola Young as Deputy Mayor, but instead she chose a relatively new Green Party Councillor in Laurie Foon.