Deon Swiggs portrait

Deon Swiggs

Currently serving: Christchurch West/Ōpuna Regional Constituency, Environment Canterbury Independent
Party Independent
Official Candidate Biography

My principal place of residence is not in the Christchurch West/Ōpuna Constituency area.

Canterbury needs strong, focused leadership. As your councillor and Deputy Chairperson of Environment Canterbury, I’ve delivered real results: enhancing flood protection, streamlining the broken consent system, and improving public transport for better connectivity and efficiency.

I bring experience that counts: former Christchurch City Councillor, naval officer, small business owner, Director of Rebuild Christchurch, and a recent Doctorate in Business. This blend of governance, discipline, recovery leadership, and business acumen means smart decisions and real value for ratepayers.

Our region faces growing challenges: water security, environmental pressures, rising costs, infrastructure stress, and uncertainty from potential council changes and RMA reforms. We need a council that cuts through bureaucracy, works for people, the environment, and delivers outcomes.

I’m ready to lead. I stand for practical solutions, sound financial management, and long-term resilience for a productive, sustainable and liveable region.

This election is about experience, focus, and accountability. I offer all three.

FB.com/DeonSwiggsNZ

Connect with Deon Swiggs
Deon Swiggs’s Elections & Candidacies

Note: This database contains data from the 2023, 2020, 2017 and 2014 general elections, the 2025 local government election and is gradually being backfilled with other election data.

Contested 2 races — 2 elected

2025 NZ Local Government • October 11, 2025 Local
  • Christchurch West/Ōpuna Regional Constituency
    Environment Canterbury
    Affiliation: Independent
    Final Elected
2022 NZ Local Government • October 8, 2022 Local
  • Christchurch West/Ōpuna Regional Constituency
    Environment Canterbury
    Affiliation: Independent
    Final Elected
Offices held
  • Christchurch West/Ōpuna Regional Constituency
    Environment Canterbury
    Affiliation: Independent
    Oct 2022 – present
  • Central Ward Councillor
    Christchurch City Council
    Affiliation: Independent - Let’s Get It Done
    Oct 2016 – Oct 2019
In the News
Environment Canterbury has declared a nitrate emergency. Now what?
The Spinoff — September 19, 2025

At their last meeting before the local elections, Environment Canterbury councillors made the symbolic declaration of a nitrate emergency, putting it on the agenda of the next council.

Deon Swiggs' accusations dropped: 'It's vindication for me' - councillor
RNZ — December 3, 2019

A Christchurch City Councillor says he feels vindicated after what he called "scurrilous allegations" against him were dropped in the Christchurch District Court today.

Councillor Deon Swiggs investigated for 'grossly inappropriate' conduct releases messages
Stuff — October 3, 2019

A youth group supporting those who complained about Cr Deon Swiggs' behaviour say they "utterly condemn" his release of messages.

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This database currently contains data from the 2025 local government eleciton, and general elections in 2023, 2020, 2017 and 2014. It is being backfilled with older data. Please get in touch if you want to help.