Michael Morris portrait

Michael Morris

Official Candidate Biography

I represent the millions of nonhuman animals in our society who are marginalised exploited and forgotten. I stand for justice to animals, justice to the environment and justice to disadvantaged humans. These are connected. Societies who look after one of these mostly care for all three.

I am an environmental scientist working for an iwi. I have worked as a researcher in public health, a government policy adviser and a university teacher. I am well placed to understand the complexities of animal, environmental and social justice policy.

If elected I will ensure that the animal pound is no-kill. There will be subsidised desexing for companion animals and spay and release for strays. Puppy and kitten mills will be abolished. Humane alternatives will be found for pest control. Palmerston North will become a C40 city and will endorse the plant-based treaty for climate action.

Connect with Michael Morris
Michael Morris’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 — 0 elected 2 not elected

2025 NZ Local Government • October 11, 2025 Local
  • Mayor
    Palmerston North City Council
    Final Not elected
2022 NZ Local Government • October 8, 2022 Local
  • Mayor
    Auckland Council
    Affiliation: Animal Justice Auckland
    Final Not elected
In the News
Race briefing: Will Palmerston North grow up, or out?
The Spinoff — October 1, 2025

In Aotearoa’s second biggest inland city, 43 people are running for 16 council positions, making for a competitive race. Water, road upgrades and consultants are on the agenda – and an STV election means every vote matters.

Auckland mayoralty candidate Michael Morris: A revitalised city for animals, justice and environment
NZ Herald — June 11, 2022

Summary: Morris ran for mayor of Auckland on an animal justice platform in 2022

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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.