The Arnott family has been building homes in the Manawatū for four generations, contributing to the growth and development of our region for well over a century. I have been proud to continue that legacy as a City Councillor .

My education began in London, then at Scots College in Wellington, and finally here in Palmerston North at Awatapu College. After studying design and marketing, I worked for Max Wilson Jeweller and Bruce Watt Photography, gaining valuable experience in both customer service and business operations.

 In 2001, at the age of 28, I took the leap into business ownership, opening e-pics Photo & Digital on Broadway Avenue. It was here that I introduced the Manawatū to its first Fuji Frontier digital photographic mini lab – a breakthrough in local photographic technology. The business quickly became recognised for excellence:

 My peers elected me to the Fujifilm Board, where I served for two years, contributing to national industry decision-making and regularly travelling to Auckland for meetings. For the first five years, I worked seven days a week – long hours, early starts, and late nights – to ensure my business thrived. At its peak, I employed six staff, and after eight years I sold.

 Since then, I have continued to work for large businesses, schools, government departments, and thousands of private customers across New Zealand, specialising in archiving and digitising old analogue records into digital formats. Whether it’s film, tape, sound recordings, or hardcopy documents, I’ve built a reputation for meticulous work that safeguards memories for future generations.

After 36 years of calling Palmerston North home – and 24 years running and supporting local businesses – I understand both the potential and the challenges of our city. I have received tremendous support from residents and community groups over the years, and I see this election as my opportunity to give back even more.

 I believe Palmerston North needs serious change. We need strong, business-minded leadership that focuses on the essentials: transparency, accountability, sound financial management, and investing in the core infrastructure that makes our city function and thrive – not wasteful spending on nice-to-have projects when core services are under pressure.

 With my background in business, my track record of hard work, and my deep roots in the community, I will continue to bring practical experience, common sense, and determination to the council table.

Palmerston North requires strong, business leadership. Voting #1 for Mark Arnott brings these qualities to the table – for a city that works, for a future we can all be proud of.