The Contenders - Uncut

Wellingtonians! It’s time to start thinking about thefuture of your city as the countdown begins to local body elections. Who do youwant to lead the city over the next three years?

As we hope to move forward into a time of greater prosperity after a period of unprecedented financial turmoil, it’s time to examine the candidates. With nominations closing on 20 August, we talk to those who have so far put up their hands.

Incumbent Mayor Kerry Prendergast has announced she will be seeking a fourth term, so we canvas the contenders on some of the issues that look likely to be on everyone’s mind as we head to decision time. Postal voting starts on 17 September and ends at midday on 9 October.

Candidates and their answers to the questions posed byFishHead are listed in alphabetical order.

Bryan Pepperell

How would you sum up the role of Mayor of Wellington? 

The Mayor is the chair of the full council. As the head of Wellington, the Mayor must be available citywide to the constituents,to ensure their views are equally represented. The Mayor is the custodian of democracy at the local level, something that has been forgotten in recent years. In addition, the title of Mayor also carries the same responsibilities as a Justice of The Peace.

What will be the main messages of your campaign for the Mayoralty? 

A key focus of mine is retaining the status of water as a public benefit and by virtue of this, keeping it well away from the hands of profit takers. Another focus is making Wellington an affordable city during these uncertain times for both homeowners and those who rent. An additional topic close to my heart is maintaining a wide screen focus on the whole community, as opposed to just one specific section with business interest objectives. Iwould also like to dedicate more parts of the city to pedestrian and car-freespaces.

What do you think are the big issues facing Wellingtonians over the next term and what will you be doing about them if you become Mayor?

The present and very much pressing issue of leaky buildings is casting a dark cloud over our city. This issue has to be attended to before we move on to other things. Equally importantly, we need a city that puts people before profit and where benefits to the public and the concept of living sustainably within our means become key priorities.

What is your view on the privatisation of Wellington’s water? 

When the water management local authority trading enterprise Capacity was set up (like Capital Power that replaced the MED) the process of privatising began. Water management should be brought back in house and delivered at cost to the citizens and ratepayers. While it is delivered outside of council we carry the extra cost of a board of directors that are selected rather than elected and as such, water delivery is subject to the profittakers. This is quite wrong and will eventually go the same way as all council controlled trading entities that fall into the hands of profit takers. So far, Capacity has failed to meet its key performance indicators (KPIs) and the savings objective that were the reason for its creation. Private profit is always an extra cost to the consumer.

What is the best way forward to increase Wellington’s productivity create jobs and increase wages?

There several ways to look at this question but striking a balance is also important. Liberate the work force, pay by productivity and allow people to work closer to home. As a result people will spend less time travelling by car or by public transport. However if we need to do a paradigm shift as many informed people are now arguing, then it could be that economic expansion and wage increases are not so realistic given the current global financial crisis. In that case, quality of life may be more important. It is also important to note that the leaky building scandal has stalled council's ability to contribute significantly to the local economy.Sometimes we need to face reality and stop dreaming.

Do you think current council processes are transparent enough?

They would be more transparent if the media paid more of an interest in what is happening. Many council meetings take place with no media present. The main public watchdog should be the media.

What are your views on the current rates policy? 

I believe that there is a need for a better deal for homeowners who are unable to deduct or pass on rates. The residential ratepayer is carrying too much of the rating burden with the switching of business rates onto the residents' rates bill.  I also think visitor taxes should be arevenue option. Moving the rates from one sector to another does not deal withthe serious problem of the city living beyond its means. One elderly residenttalked about the Council's spending spree of rate and spend, borrow and spend, sell and spend. We must live within our means or we will sink with debt. Council's debt could easily exceed the 2009/10 LTCCP level of $325 millionwithin the next two years by over $100 million. At a time of economic recession that spells disaster.

Are you happy with the rate of development in Wellington and the standard of architecture?

The ever-present leaky building issue is bound up with amongst other things - design and architecture. We should have a stronger sense of natural and built heritage. Buildings are taking away sunlight and views,and this is not good. I also believe special attention needs to go into finishing the waterfront, as well as ensuring no more buildings and allowing more open space. We also need better consultation with, and a more attentive ear to, the opinions and aspirations of the community.

In one paragraph explain what you, as Mayor will do for the city of Wellington:

 Ultimately, Wellington needs to becomeself-reliant, affordable and sustainable as climate change and peak oil impinge on us. It is also equally important that we resist the privatisation of water. Additionally, there needs to be a greater focus on pedestrians and cyclists, aswell as the implementation of more carless areas. Wellington is compact city, acity that values its quality of life and, by virtue of this, its intellectual life, art and culture above all else. Essentially, we must begin to move towards a paradigm shift where we live closer to work, grow food locally and are above all, less dependent on oil. Personally speaking, should I be elected as Mayor, I believe that we as a city can, beyond simply moving towards, actually accomplish all of the above - and more!

Kerry Prendergast

How would you sum up the role of Mayor ofWellington?

To be Wellington’s number 1 advocate, representative and champion, not just for residents, but also for businesses, visitors, and tourists, especially to Government.

What will be the main messages of your campaign for the Mayoralty?

Ensure the city remains vibrant and safe

Be the most sustainable eco-friendly city in the southern hemisphere

Make sure Wellington gets its rightful share of Government resources

Keep the events rolling, give the best World Cup party next year, and keep Wellington up there as NZ’s super city

Work out what governance structure greater Wellington needs and arrange for Government to empower this

What do you think are the big issues facing Wellingtonians over the next term and what will you be doing about them if you become Mayor?

Keeping the city moving up with regards to jobs, tourist numbers, managing population growth and governance of the region.

I will give leadership, as I have for the last nine years

What is your view on the privatisation of Wellington’s water?

Water cannot be privatised in NZ by statute. I would never support privatisation of water.

What is the best way forward to increase Wellington’s productivity create jobs and increase wages?

Continue to support business in Wellington with advocacy, marketing, reducing regulations and red tape, and keeping rates as low as possible.

Do you think current council processes are transparent enough?

Yes. 85% of our reports are in open session. All decisions are discussed and made in public unless they concern an individual’s private life or business or would impact onWellington City Council’s commercial activities or negotiations.

What are your views on the current rates policy?

I believe that rates should reflect the services provided.

Council has a commitment to reduce the anomaly whereby residential rates are currently subsidised by commercial ratepayers by about $33m per year. In 2012 our 10-year commitment to move the differential will have moved it to a reasonably fair 2.8:1.

Are you happy with the rate of development in Wellington and the standard of architecture?

The city is coming off the back of a recession, which followed a property boom. I am delighted with the increase in 5 green star buildings both completed and currently under construction. There will be a need for more accommodation over coming years due to population growth. We need a major architecturally iconic building to show developers the level to which they must lift their game.

In one paragraph explain what you, as Mayor will do for the city of Wellington:

I will give Wellington LEADERSHIP. Our country’s current move out of recession will not be rapid but the most progressive cities will be able to gain relative advantage.With Super Auckland in place there will be a scramble for resources by the rest of the country. I have good relationships with Government and will advocate strongly for our fair share of those resources. I will keep Wellington in everyone’s focus.

Allan Probert

How would you sum up the role of Mayor of Wellington?

A good mayor should act as ‘chairman of the board’ rather than a dictator, utilising the skills of councillors and playing to the strengths of wellington city for the benefit of everyone, rather than a small set of vested interests groups and individuals.

What will be the main messages of your campaign for the Mayoralty?

As Mayor I’m seeking to fix up the council’s mess to drive long-term growth for Wellington. Out of control spending and other inefficiencies mean rates rises and ballooning debt. This must be bought under control. I’ll also push for greater transparency with Wellington Ian’s to ensure a more responsive council and similarly are also looking to drive more support for small and medium businesses as well as sensible animal control policies.

What do you think are the big issues facing Wellingtonians over the next term and what will you be doing about them if you become Mayor?

Rising Council Costs: I’ll seek to make the council leaner, more cost effective and to use ratepayer’s money where it can deliver real benefits to Wellingtonians. As Wellington increasingly finds itself competing with Super Cities such as Auckland, operating efficiently and smartly will be vital.

Transport &Parking: Wellington needs a plan to cope with future transport and infrastructure growth. This should include issues like light rail, Lambton quay pedestrianisation, parking policies, ferries and integrated ticketing. 

Growth: As the public sector gets cut back and the recession continues Wellington needs to look at what is the best approach for growth. I want to see the council working with businesses, ratepayers and the central government on a plan to drive growth and greater innovation in Wellington.

What is your view on the privatisation of Wellington’s water?

Any attempt to privatise wellington’s water must involve a binding public referendum. Additionally, there needs to be some real investigation into current costs ofWellington’s water infrastructure – Issues such as lowering the current levels of water loss need to be looked at closely.

What is the best way forward to increase Wellington’s productivity create jobs and increase wages?

To concentrate on our strengths as a city - compact, progressive, innovative. The following arein my view the most important:

IT- create conditions for private enterprise to develop new business and the communication services that businesses and communities need.

Support for small and medium business - better communication and policies to facilitate and support growth in our main businesses

Science city-take advantage of 2010 budget incentives to encourage science and related business

Continuing tobuild on the fantastic gains Wellington has made in tourism and to leverage ourposition as New Zealand’s hub or art, culture and cuisine.

To continue to encourage and expand on the Film Industry sector.

Transportation links - continue to improve and upgrade for both public transport and freight.

Village planning- this will allow good ideas on a community level to spread into jobs and productivity

Do you think current council processes are transparent enough?

Absolutely not!My commitment is to make council processes much more transparent and consultative. Council meetings will go online and be broadcast by web streaming; financial information will be simplified and more widely available. There will also be fewer public excluded council meetings.

I will also use binding public referendum on major issues and will seek to devolve powers and assets to communities improving community involvement and consultation underwhat I call Village Planning.

What are your views on the current rates policy?

Firstly rate increases of 23% in the last three years and 70% in the last 10 years are excessive and largely due to an inefficient and bloated council.

I oppose the rates differential shift from commercial to residential – it’s unfair and puts an unnecessary burden on residential ratepayers when businesses can claim tax deductibility, passing it onto their customers.  Resolving this situation is a key priority.

Are you happy with the rate of development in Wellington and the standard of architecture?

Not at all! Planning process and rules need overhauling; Aesthetically ugly and cheaply built buildings and increasingly cramped apartments have crept into Wellington and there needs to be stricter guidelines for appropriate building and planting. We also need to look more at preserving the few pieces of Wellington’s history that haven’t already been demolished. Ultimately there needs to be more robust public input into Wellington’s development. Completing the Waterfront to ensure public/open areas complimenting tourism and leisure/recreational areas for residents and visitors.

In one paragraph explain what you, as Mayor will do for the city of Wellington:

As Mayor I will be Wellingtons number one fan, and will remain accessible to the public. I want Wellington working smarter to be the leader in all things - business, transport, community consultation and to be a facilitator rather than a dictator. Open ‘electronic town hall’ democracy for commercial and residential ratepayers will ensure a new era in transparent democracy. It is time for a change!

Celia Wade-Brown

How would you sum up the role of Mayor ofWellington?

As Mayor of Wellington, my most important role will be as a guardian of the long-term interests of our diverse residents.

A good Mayor must listen widely, discuss rationally and then lead decisively.

I look forward to chairing Council and working co-operatively with other elected members and community leaders and fulfilling the various official duties as your city’s public servant.

What will be the main messages of your campaign for the Mayoralty?

• Together we can create a city that is well placed for the future, where we place hope above fear, integrity above special interests and genuine progress above a single-minded focus on economic growth.
• Reconnecting with our local neighbourhoods makes Wellington safer, friendlier and more resilient to any emergencies. Community facilities encourage people to meet each other so we don’t become an anonymous society.
• Changing the way we do things is possible in a healthy democracy!
• I will protect Wellington’s special character as a compact cosmopolitan city surrounded by wild oceans and beautiful bush.
• We can combine caring communities, successful businesses and healthy environment – it’s essential to do so!

What do you think are the big issues facing Wellingtonians over the next term and what will you be doing about them if you become Mayor?

• Co-operation or amalgamation?

After the attacks on Auckland and Canterbury’s democracy, there will be pressure for Wellington to amalgamate with Hutt and Porirua Councils. The current mayors are discussing regional governance before the public has had any input. I would open up the debate.

I chair the Regional Waste Forum that includes councils, community groups and business.It’s a great forum for sharing improved ways of doing our core business. We can share more services and information with other Councils – it’s wasteful to have separate software systems for rating and GIS but the decision-making on District Plan rules, rates, fees and policies must be made locally.

• Transport – more intelligent than tunnels!

To avoid gridlock,we need a change in priorities. I’d promote a car-free Golden Mile at peak hours and lunchtime. Instead of funnelling more cars into limited parks, I will advance light rail to Newtown, then to Kilbirnie Indoor Stadium and the Airport. Meanwhile bus passengers need better shelters, more frequent services,weekend services and real time information. Light rail is cheaper than doubling tunnels and putting in a flyover at the Basin Reserve. Other candidates want to get rid of buses in the Golden Mile or wait decades before giving buses anymore priority.

Wellington’s walkability is celebrated but not encouraged enough. Wait times at traffic lights are too long for people on foot and encourage risky behaviour.

More people will cycle if we make it safer. I’m already on the steering group for the Great Harbour Way that is looking at better cycle and walkways all the way along the coast. I’ve already worked with other councillors to put in a decent budget for strategic cycle routes from Porirua through Tawa and then to Johnsonville.

Delivery vans and trades vehicles are essential to Wellington and will travel more reliably with less congestion. While many of us need cars for specific journeys, I’ll promote car share systems and car-pooling as economical options.

• Employment

Jobs should be fulfilling as well as financially adequate. The Wellington Arts scene is strong in performance, visual and digital work. Creativity needs to be fostered in other businesses too. Creative HQ was set up while I was on the board of Positively Wellington Business. I look forward to being on the governance group of Grow Wellington. I fully support their focus on Clean Technology as a sunrise industry including the export potential of marine energy technology.There are local jobs in refurbishing and recycling but we won’t be macraméing our own computers so some high value, low impact trade is essential.  I’ve supported a fuel technology company to explore local possibilities that could dramatically reduce particulate emissions from diesel engines in Wellington.

• Reconnecting neighbourhoods

People value the different nature of different suburbs. Heritage tells the history of who has lived here before. Council must support communities to help themselves with community centres, libraries and local parks, playgrounds and modest grants.  Working together on gardens, painting murals or helping atthe nearby hospice are all ways of building community. When people know each other in a street, a suburb, a city, people are more resilient to all sorts of emergencies – climate change or flu or an earthquake.

What is your view on the privatisation of Wellington’s water?

I strongly support public ownership of water, the necessary infrastructure and its management. Water is a precious resource and must remain in public hands.

Councils must work together with households, businesses, schools and our own departments toreduce leaks, design low impact housing developments, install rainwater tanks and advocate for changes to the building code so we can live within our ecological limits.

We can stabilise water usage at today’s levels or less with positive education, technical support and intelligent campaigns.

I do not support compulsory domestic meters or damming the Whakatikei River.

What is the best way forward to increase Wellington’s productivity create jobs and increase wages?

As an ex-IBM employee, I support fast broadband and Wi-Fi enabling large and small businesses to be better connected to their customers and suppliers.

Education is key to improving productivity and finding new solutions to tricky problems of engineering, medicine and clean manufacture. I’d ensure close liaison with all the local tertiary institutions: Weltec, Whitireia, Massey, Otago and Victoria.There may be a chance to redefine older inner city offices into student apartments.

Climate Change action can provide benefits. There are new jobs in insulation and high techenergy. Revegetation of our hills supports carbon absorption. Electric vehicles are part of the solution but electric trolley buses, trams, trains and bicycles are more important than a few electric cars.

Tourism doesn’t create many high-value jobs so although it supports existing attractions, it creates other pressures do I don’t see doubling passenger numbers through the Wellington airport as a good measure of increased productivity or wage growth.

Higher wages are important if a family is in poverty but after a certain level, people seek fulfilment, attractive surroundings and the opportunity to pursue their cultural, sporting or voluntary activities.

The emerging domestic economies of homegrown food, vintage clothing and refurbished furniture are under-valued by traditional economists. Wellington’s resurgence of small businesses serving ethical consumers is at the vanguard of a worldwide trend. Streamlining Council processes, without eliminating our function to protect the residents, will help small businesses in particular. The ETS implementation means Wellington businesses can be at the forefront of emissions mitigation.

Do you think current council processes are transparent enough?

No.

 Sometimes Council seems to keep asking the public the same question and not listening.  Repeating consultation, e.g. buildings near Waitangi Park, alienates the public.  If we are consulting on more detail while the main decision has been made, we should be clear. Some of the long term planning is improving like the community consultation on the Kilbirnie Town Centre plan.

While people are welcome to come in and comment or participate in public there is much more room for conversations with people round a table so different ideas can be teased out. There is much wisdom in Wellingtonians that we miss out on by not asking people to have a say in their time and place, rather than asking them to respond to a fully formed proposal.

The Mayor and Councillors must be willing to go out to public meetings and engage with people in their own organisations and suburbs, not always expect the busy public to come to us.

The WCC website needs a big revamp so people can see where decisions fit in and who has already been involved/ made comments/brought up ideas. While all reports and minutes, including voting records are on-line they are not easy to find.

I support webcasting of Council meetings although it may not have a huge audience!

What are your views on the current rates policy?

It is not clearly articulated so is not well understood yet. Hardly anyone seems to knowthat when someone goes for a swim or a visit to the art gallery, the ratepayer is picking up most of the cost. The business community pays for about half the costs of the library, because it’s deemed to be a benefit to the whole of Wellington.

 Most activities benefit many individuals and sectors. We have to decide who pays for each activity. Recreation activities must be affordable so I support the current subsidies from rates so books can be borrowed for free and all children can learn to swim, for example.

I agree that downtown commercial properties should pay 100% of certain activities such as tourism promotion and that commercial properties in general should pay a higher rate per dollar than domestic properties to cover the costs imposed by visitors, workers coming in from outside Wellington and the fact that some rates can be set against tax. I don’t wish the general rate differential to go further than a ratio of 2.8 to 1. Ten years ago this was 7:1.

We must try to keep rates affordable by involving communities in designing their own solutions. Community care of some reserves has shown how a greater connection with nature improves the environment, builds social networks and adds resources that Council rates don’t cover.

Many people are happy for their rates to be used to pay for community facilities but there are also people on fixed incomes that find any increase difficult.

The best thing is that rates depend on the capital value of a property so in general people with more assets pay more than people who are struggling.  Rates are almost impossible to avoid so altogether they are a progressive tax. The share of rates form a decreasing part of the average household budget compared to taxes or electricity!

Are you happy with the rate of development in Wellington and the standard of architecture?

The focus of development in places with good public transport and community facilities makes sense to me. Any new subdivisions that are far from shops, bus stops, schools and facilities are much less desirable but unfortunately some places already have residential zoning. Downtown, I love the fact that more people are living in the city centre so it’s not dead after 5:30. I don’t think Wellington is at its carrying capacity yet but we must ensure that we live within our energy, transport and water limits! Green buildings are often attractive and our development contributions policy could encourage them more.

The standard of architecture varies immensely. The changes to infill rules which I helped lead have made some of the “nasty little boxes” harder to build. Guidelines for active edges (windows/activity not blank walls) mean that some of the worst examples are behind us now e.g. the Woolworth’s façade in Kilbirnie, Briscoe’s façade in Taranaki Street.

The Central Library, the Newlands Community Centre and the Karori Library are good examples of public architecture. Short-term thinking’s responsible for shoddy buildings with a short life. It is difficult to legislate for beauty! One thing we can do is preserve the heritage of existing lovely or quirky buildings so I’m a strong supporter of the move to heritage areas as well as individual heritage buildings.

Greater density of living must be balanced with good quality public space – the waterfront (free from more solid buildings by Waitangi Park), paved areas and green open space including better access (signs and paths) to what we have already got in the Town Belt e.g. Kelburn Park, Charles Plimmer Park,

In one paragraph explain what you, as Mayor will do for the city of Wellington:

As Mayor I will draw upon the wisdom of Wellingtonians, the expertise of Council staff and the skills of the elected councillors to ensure this city works for you, the people of Wellington and will continue to do so for generations to come. I will make the Council the central place for honest conversations about our city, where bright ideas can be explored and where we are all free to contribute to a harmonious and modestly prosperous city. I promise to do my best, and to continue planting in community gardens, cycling and walking, thinking globally and shopping locally!

Jack Yan

How would you sum up the role of Mayor of Wellington?

To lead. To set a vision. To inspire.

What will be the main messages of your campaign for the Mayoralty?

First: let’s build the city we want. Wellington needs to be relevant to the 2010s. We have had too many missed opportunities over the last decade.Wellington should be thought of immediately as a world-class city in the same breath as Singapore, Copenhagen and San Francisco. We’re losing out to cities like Dunedin with free Wi-Fi and Christchurch with its electric car programme.

We need to grow our creative businesses in Wellington so that we can create more jobs. In addition, Wellington must have a free Wi-Fi service. Importantly, let’s give Wellington greater transparency: webcast council meetings, and have a city blog where people can comment on their issues.

Wellington needs to lead, not follow.

What do you think are the big issues facing Wellingtonians over the next term and what will you be doing about them if you become Mayor?

If we don’t sort out our job situation, then we won’t get the rates we need. As it is, the unemployment rate is around 6 per cent. We can do better. Our budget deficit has ballooned, which again points to the need to grow business responsibly and sustainably. Let’s promote business here in Wellington. The council needs to take the lead to work with the business community because the next Silverstripe, Sidhe, Weta, Catalyst, Xero, Trade Me, Ponoko, etc. is already out there. I know this, because Kiwi entrepreneurs with some amazing business plans have come to me—ready to generate revenue—but they won’t do it under this administration.

Finally, we need to level with Wellingtonians: it’s ratepayers’ money we’re spending, and we had better do it on things we all support. We cannot be wasting public funds on short sighted projects. We need to build the city we all want. 

What is your view on the privatisation of Wellington’s water?

There are better ways to sort out water problems than privatization. Let’s put water usage data online based on community, not household. Let’s come up with ideas jointly in public–private partnerships, so the people own the solutions. Privatisation takes us on a slippery slope that will see our water owned by foreign corporations that make tens of billions a year. I see the issue more of transparency being vital on this issue: once you privatized an entity, you no longer have that same requirement of needing to be transparent with the people.

What is the best way forward to increase Wellington’s productivity create jobs and increase wages?

Let’s look at what we have. Wellington has vibrant creative and tech sectors. The city needs to grow them, providing mentoring from the top minds in the city. We need to help the most promising ones, whether it’s providing advice or getting them investment. How about public–private partnerships? Dunedin City Council has an ICT cluster programme and we can participate with industry to do something similar that’s really focused on our long-term strategy and our strengths.

For Wellington, we need to ensure that they remain majority Kiwi-owned and Wellington-based. I have the contacts to do that since I haven’t spent the last 20 years politicking and hiding things from the public. And there are many businesses already in Wellington that need what I have promised in my campaign to net millions for us. There are companies out there waiting for our support. Once you have the companies in Wellington, you will have jobs and the people will come. This is one of my strategies in building the city we want.

Do you think current council processes are transparent enough?

Absolutely not. Let’s take one thing: the proposal of the Wellywood sign and the closure of Manners Mall to pedestrians. Even some councillors admitted the first they heard of it was when it was in The Dominion Post. There was nil consultation with the city and the Airport hoped the resource consent would be sneaked through. As far as Manners Mall goes, it is not the will of they city but the decision of the few. Let’s face it, not only the Wellington City Council is in a deficit of more than $200 million, they have voted in a rates’ increase for Wellington residents to meet it. With the issue of the leaky homes, this would exacerbate the matter—an extra $87 million without consulting a single member of the public? This is symptomatic of a greater failure that is driving this city onto the rocks. Is this the city that we all want to build?

What are your views on the current rates policy?

A failure. Already they’ve locked in a rates’ rise in the next term. Part of the Indoor Sport Stadium cost overrun is being funded by rates. There is the proposal of the waterfront and the construction of oddly designed toilets. The rate differential makes no sense either, because you are rewarding the few remaining businesses and punishing residents with higher rates. As mentioned earlier, the leaky home issues would further heighten this issue because this would make the City Council $87 million poorer. And if there’s joblessness, that isn’t going to help the rates’ base either. We still have a high unemployment rate in the country, not just in Wellington.

The solution is to grow our most talented businesses here and ensure they stay here, so we won’t need to have an unfair and inequitable rates system.

And we need to be totally fair on rates: if you owe, it doesn’t matter who you are. Under my watch, the council goes after everyone equally.

Are you happy with the rate of development in Wellington and the standard of architecture?

That sort of development was fine in the 2000s when there was a demand for property. Like any city, not all of the architecture is good. But this issue is not relevant in the 2010s where the very obvious trends are for a smaller civil service and more high-tech business being conducted outside of the central city. This is a new era, so the next mayor needs to be in tune with what’s actually happening in Wellington. We need to be mindful of the community as well. My father once said that it’s people that build communities, not theother way around. Great civilizations are built by the sweat and brows of the people.

In one paragraph explain what you, as Mayor will do for the city of Wellington:

Being accessible to the people, not living in an ivory tower—something I am already practising. Understanding what everyday Wellingtonians go through with paying their rates, bills and mortgage—concerns that I share every day with most citizens. Introducing our free Wi-Fi service to help with our business infrastructure. Carrying out my plan to grow our employment, by encouraging and championing our world-class businesses. Getting us a properly integrated transport service. Wellington is our home, so let’s build the city we want.