Wellington City Council
The Wellington 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 15 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the city). three councillors will be elected from the Motukairangi/Eastern ward. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Wellington City Council election.
Wellington City Council candidates
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Alex Baker
Independent
Karl Tiefenbacher
Independent
Trish Given
Independent
Chris Calvi-Freeman
Independent - Working for the East
Michelle McGuire
INDEPENDENT TOGETHER - Vote For IT
Jonny Osborne
Green Party
Rob Goulden
My Vision for the City 2050
Sam O'Brien
Labour
Luke Kuggeleijn
ACT Local: Real Change. Lower Rates
Ken Ah Kuoi
INDEPENDENT TOGETHER - Vote For IT
Thomas G. P. Morgan
Very Independent
Sam O'Brien
Why I'm standing
I love living here. But watching people leave Wellington in record numbers is tough. Life here is becoming unaffordable and uncertain. Wages don't keep up and home ownership is out of reach for many. This is the consequence of government and council decisions, but it can be different. I'm running to make Wellington a city where housing is secure, transport is reliable, infrastructure works, and where good jobs and thriving community life bring people together.
About me
I became a planner because I care about how cities work. My experience means I understand the technical details and I know how local government operates. Councils need collaborative, practical leaders and I pride myself on being able to find common ground with anyone. I'm also a renter and a cancer survivor living with a disability. I know first-hand how vital it is that we make Wellington an affordable, accessible city that works for everyone.
My priorities
- Back transport-oriented housing development and invest in social housing to increase affordability.
- Set clear expectations to fix leaks, keep water affordable and infrastructure publicly owned.
- Develop a 100-year plan to protect the harbour, coastlines and predator-free bush.
Get across the policies, candidates and parties
Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2025 local elections. Compare the candidates and policies to see where you stand.
Mayor
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Local council
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Local board
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