NZ Local Elections 2025

Lower Hutt City Council

Central General Ward
The Lower Hutt City Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 13 councillors and the mayor. two councillors will be elected from the Central ward. The other councillors will be elected from other wards or by all voters in the city. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Lower Hutt City Council election.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

George Mackay

George Mackay

Independent

Neelu Jennings

Neelu Jennings

Green Party

Rodney Cook

Rodney Cook

Tim McNamara

Tim McNamara

Simon Edwards

Simon Edwards

Independent

Paki Maaka

Paki Maaka

Independent

Glenda Barratt

Glenda Barratt

Independent

Paki Maaka

Independent

Paki Maaka

Independent

Why I'm standing

I believe Lower Hutt is beautiful but we need to ensure it becomes a city where our children and grandchildren choose to live. I believe these interests are poorly represented at council. I believe fantastic opportunities exist but am concerned these will be missed and the opportunity cost will be passed onto our future community. I believe leadership needs to change and I need to be part of that change.

About me

I know how council works and I know what good community engagement looks like. I led RiverLink from nothing in 2006 to being funded by $1 billion in 2020. I have advised on housing and urban projects nationwide, including with Māori on projects from Whangarei to Bluff. I have a natural ability to work with people to turn ideas into reality and bring a positive outlook, innovation and a productive way of operating to council.

My priorities
  1. Embed the Treaty at the top of council business and communicate why this is critical for all New Zealanders.
  2. Keep young people and create a city that they want to be a part of.
  3. Gear council up properly for the challenges ahead, which will require honesty, courage and tough love.
Before politics

Principal Advisor Kainga Ora

Residence

Central Ward Lower Hutt

Age

64

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I believe Lower Hutt is beautiful but we need to ensure it becomes a city where our children and grandchildren choose to live. I believe these interests are poorly represented at council. I believe fantastic opportunities exist but am concerned these will be missed and the opportunity cost will be passed onto our future community. I believe leadership needs to change and I need to be part of that change.

About me

I know how council works and I know what good community engagement looks like. I led RiverLink from nothing in 2006 to being funded by $1 billion in 2020. I have advised on housing and urban projects nationwide, including with Māori on projects from Whangarei to Bluff. I have a natural ability to work with people to turn ideas into reality and bring a positive outlook, innovation and a productive way of operating to council.

My priorities
  1. Embed the Treaty at the top of council business and communicate why this is critical for all New Zealanders.
  2. Keep young people and create a city that they want to be a part of.
  3. Gear council up properly for the challenges ahead, which will require honesty, courage and tough love.
Before politics

Principal Advisor Kainga Ora

Residence

Central Ward Lower Hutt

Age

64

Connect via

Mayor

Compare the mayoral candidates in your area

Explore

Local council

Compare the candidates for your city or district council

Explore

Regional council

Compare the candidates for your regional council

Explore

Local board

Compare the candidates for your local or community board

Explore