John Sunckell

Currently serving: Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi Regional Constituency, Environment Canterbury Independent
Party Independent
Official Candidate Biography

My principal place of residence is in the Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi Constituency area.

It’s a privilege to have represented the Mid Canterbury constituency, Selwyn and Ashburton for the past three terms. I am a registered paramedic and farmer with a strong science base. I understand the challenges our communities continually encounter, especially accessing clean water for drinking, swimming, and safety.

During this term I have achieved on your behalf improved water and river management, contributed nationally to the new Emergency Management bill and AF8 planning, successfully advocated for better acceptance of Selwyn’s public transport needs along with achieving a 5.8% rate increase.

Our biggest forward challenge is consenting costs, timeframes and conditions. My hope and focus for the next term, with the reform of Resource Management and freshwater policy is to drive reduced regulatory burden. Empowering and enabling our communities, catchment groups and landowners to achieve positive outcomes for our environment and surroundings.

Thank-you again, as I seek your further endorsement and support.

Connect with John Sunckell
John Sunckell’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
  • Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi Regional Constituency
    Environment Canterbury
    Affiliation: Independent
    [email protected] 027 424 3006 Ballot name: John Sunckell
    Final Elected
    Vote share • 26.1%
    16,001 votes
2022 NZ Local Government • October 8, 2022 Local
  • Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi Regional Constituency
    Environment Canterbury
    Affiliation: Independent
    Final Elected
    Vote share • 31.0%
    16,557 votes
Offices held
  • Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi Regional Constituency
    Environment Canterbury
    Affiliation: Independent
    Oct 2016 – present
In the News
Ian Mackenzie, John Sunckell re‑elected as ECan faces nitrate emergency
NZ Herald — October 16, 2025

Ian Mackenzie says the declaration is 'great politics but a lot of noise and no action'.

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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.