Meet your new Council

Nicol Horrell

📍 Western Constituency

Nicol Horrell retired having served for six terms (18 years). He was Chairman for the latter three of those terms (9 years) – the Council’s longest standing Chairman. Nicol is a passionate Southlander who believes in Southland solutions for Southland issues, rather than nationally imposed requirements. He is also an advocate for planting the right tree in the right place. He lives on his family’s 200-hectare sheep farm at Alton, western Southland.

Neville Cook

📍Invercargill-Rakiura Constituency

Neville Cook retired having served 18 years on the Council. He brought to the Council his experience of 36 years in the police, including as the Southland District Commander, to make a constructive and positive contribution, particularly in emergency management. He was also a long-standing Chair of the Regulatory Committee. Neville is passionate about the environment, a keen river and sea fisherman, and collects minerals. He lives in Invercargill.

Robert Guyton

📍Invercargill-Rakiura Constituency

Robert Guyton retired after 15 years on the Council. A long-time advocate for the environment, he brought a fresh perspective and questioning approach to the Council table. Robert lives in Riverton on a property his family has transformed into a food-forest, where they share their knowledge with visitors keen to experience a wilderness garden.

Peter McDonald

📍 Hokonui Constituency

After six years on the Council, Peter McDonald was not re-elected in 2025. He brought his experience as an intergenerational hill country sheep farmer. He was Chair of the Regional Services Committee during his second term. Peter is involved in catchment groups and has written columns supporting good environmental farming practice. Before joining the council, Peter and his wife Kim received the Environmental Leadership in Farming Award at the 2018 Environment Southland Community Awards. They live on the family’s sheep farm in Dipton.