A leak to controversial blogger Cameron Slater has sparked interest in who will be Marlborough's new mayor.

Four well-known local men are putting their hands up to replace outgoing mayor Alistair Sowman, who's hanging up the chains after 12 years in the job.

This Saturday's election comes weeks after minutes from a closed door meeting on the future of the controversial new ASB Theatre were leaked the Whale Oil blog.

The Hits Nelson Marlborough host Scott Radanovich said the scandal has at least got some people thinking about council politics.

"This has caused a wave of don't cares in the region, through to why are councillors having closed door meetings in the first place.

"It has sparked interest, if be it briefly, in council politics, but more a case of he-said she-said from those involved."

Scott Radanovich said the current Marlborough councillors face a range of challengers.

"Well-known business identities mixed with squeaky wheels in the region are putting their money where their mouths are."

Warm safe homes and reliable jobs are key issues for election candidates in the Nelson City and Tasman District.

Every position on the two councils is being contested, with Nelson mayor Rachel Reese and Tasman mayor Richard Kempthorne both facing challengers for their job.

The area is facing record high population growth, leading to a shortage of homes and jobs.

Scott Radanovich said people are also concerned about water, flooding and fireplaces.

"[There's] water, the cost of it, and when we get too much, why hasn't been done for areas that are prone to flooding."

"It's been another winter of people with fireplaces in good working order not being able to use them because of pollution in the air.

"Air quality, and what is deemed as low or high emitting fireplace, is a constant discussion, leaving residents literally out in the cold."

NELSON CITY COUNCIL

Voters will select a mayor from these candidates:
- Graeme O'Brien
- Richard Osmaston
- Pete Rainey
- Rachel Reese

Voters will select councillors in these ward areas:
- District at large – 27 candidates for 12 positions

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COUNCIL

Voters will select a mayor from these candidates:
- Brian Dawson
- John Davis
- Colin King
- John Leggett

Voters will select councillors in these ward areas:

- Marlborough Sounds Ward – 5 candidates for 3 positions
- Wairau-Awatere Ward – 5 candidates for 3 positions
- Blenheim Ward – 14 candidates for 7 positions

TASMAN DISTRICT COUNCIL

Voters will select a mayor from these candidates:
- Maxwell Clark
- Richard Kempthorne
- Kit Maling

Voters will select councillors in these ward areas:
- Richmond Ward – 8 candidates for 4 positions
- Motueka Ward – 5 candidates for 3 positions
- Moutere/Waimea Ward – 7 candidates for 3 positions
- Golden Bay Ward – 6 candidates for 2 positions
- Lakes/Murchison Ward – 1 candidate elected unopposed
- Motueka Community Board – 4 candidates elected unopposed
- Golden Bay Community Board – 4 candidates elected unopposed

OTHER ELECTIONS

The following elections are also being held:
- Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board – 15 candidates for 7 positions