Andrea Murrell – ICC Council Candidate Profile
A firm believer that Invercargill is a city for all, Andrea is running for Invercargill City Council in the upcoming by-election to bring diversity to the leadership of our community, build on the city’s current momentum.
Andrea and her husband Rick Murrell, a native Southlander, are successful business owners in town, and they both support and sponsor local sports widely.
A native of Colombia, Andrea is a shining example of the plentiful opportunities available in Invercargill, and as City Councillor, aims to continue building on the city’s momentum to ensure all are included in its bright future.
Andrea holds a graduate degree from Victoria University in Intercultural Communications, making her an expert in dealing with intercultural conflicts inside organisations and businesses, like the city council.
She’s also an active Rotarian and has been a director for the past few years. She’s bilingual and the first person ever standing for the city council from an ethnic community from South America.
She also studied dentistry and has experience in business administration, real estate, franchise development and managing operations.
As City Councillor, Andrea will support initiatives that recognise and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our community.
“Invercargill is growing and we should elevate the talent here through festivals, events, and cultural exchanges.”
Andrea will advocate for affordable housing options that cater to the needs of young people, including rental assistance programs and affordable home ownership initiatives, to encourage them to stay and thrive in our city.
She is deeply involved with the immigrant and refugee communities here and understands the challenges they face.
As a City Councillor, she aims to forge a path of connection. She’s a doer not a talker.
“Invercargill is thriving, the council is ticking along and we’re ready to embrace new talent with open arms! As a firm believer in the power of diversity and the strength it brings to our community, I am committed to encouraging and welcoming individuals from all walks of life to our city.”
To build a vibrant future for Invercargill, Andrea believes investment in young people is essential. Her ideas include supporting travel scholarships for students to experience the world and bring their talents back to Invercargill, advancing the existing Long-Term Plan for the city to rebuild the museum, enhance the Rugby Park facilities, and expand recreational and cultural opportunities in town.
Published by arrangement.
