I was elected Mayor of Wellington City, the capital of Aotearoa New Zealand, on 11 October 2025.

My commitment is serious leadership and real change at council, and being a Mayor for all of Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

I’m a lawyer by profession. I’ve also been a union leader, a Labour Party Member of Parliament and senior Cabinet Minister.

I live in Island Bay with my wife Leigh, and our border terrier Harry. We have an adult son.

My priorities as Mayor are:

Making the council more transparent and accountable, with community feedback front and centre when decisions are made.
Investing in our swimming pools and libraries, and protecting our public assets.
Making our city affordable by accelerating housing development and making public transport cheaper and more reliable.
Supporting small businesses, and revitalising Wellington’s economy with more festivals and events.
Fixing the pipes, taking action on climate, and honouring the Treaty of Waitangi.