I’m standing for Mayor because Wellington needs urgent change and serious leadership. I believe I have the experience and the steel to end the chaos at Council and return it to what it should be doing, servicing the needs of all who live here.

We all love this city. We’re creative, we’re full of talent, we’re diverse, and we’re a place where people from all walks of life can feel included and make a home.

Wellington is the place I chose with my wife Leigh to raise our family and there’s nowhere else we would rather be.

But it’s clear to me our city is in trouble. Living in Wellington is becoming unaffordable for working families. Cuts to public services are hurting the city and in a time of crisis our council too often seems like it’s out of touch with the people it’s supposed to serve.

Wellington didn’t vote for regressive policies like asset sales, closure of community facilities or millions of dollars in corporate welfare for an international cinema owner. It’s time for new leadership that listens to Wellingtonians and makes good decisions for our city.

I’ve spent my life standing up for people and bringing communities together. As a union leader, I challenged big business to deliver a better deal for workers. As a Government Minister, I led the response to the March 15 mosque attacks and worked alongside iwi to settle the Crown’s breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi.

My focus as Mayor will be getting the best for Wellington. That means being able to work constructively with the Government in the city’s interests and it means standing up to the Beehive when needed. It means being clear in my Labour values but always working across political lines to be a Mayor for all of Wellington. 

My priorities are: 

•     Fixing the pipes and investing in our parks, swimming pools and libraries
•     Prioritising more housing development and cheaper public transport
•     Supporting our small businesses and revitalising Wellington’s economy
•     Taking action on climate and honouring the Treaty
•     Ensuring there is a firm grip on the Council and its finances.

I firmly believe that together we can do this. Join me.