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 Wharangi/Onslow-Western 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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Ray Bowden

ACT Local: Real Change. Lower Rates.

Why I'm standing

I've lived in Wellington all my life and seen ratepayers let down again and again with higher rates, more bureaucracy and wasteful projects while core services are neglected. It's time to get back to basics – safe streets, working infrastructure and value for money. I've also watched Wellington choke on indecision and ideology. We need to build the Ngauranga to Airport route, scrap the traffic-calming nonsense and cancel the vanity projects.

About me

I have worked in a large corporation and my own business with proven experience solving problems and delivering results. I'm practical and know how to cut waste, manage budgets and hold decision-makers accountable. My focus is to keep rates affordable, protect core services like roads, water and rubbish, and restore transparency so every dollar is spent wisely and tracked. As your ACT local candidate, I will restore common sense and provide disciplined, accountable leadership that puts residents first.

My priorities

  1. End the war on cars by putting an end to ineffective judder bars, obstacles and cycleways.
  2. Focus on delivering essential infrastructure such as fixing roads, pipes and collecting rubbish.
  3. Cull wasteful spending such as the Golden Mile which will hurt businesses, consumers and ratepayers.

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.

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