Andrew Little thanks Wellingtonians for mandate to lead

Andrew Little has thanked Wellingtonians for giving him a mandate to deliver serious leadership and real change for the city.

"I'm grateful to everyone who has put their trust in me, and I will honour that trust," Little said. "Wellington faces challenges but I believe that together we have the talent, the ideas and the ambition to get our city back to its best.

"Today's result is a clear mandate for the plan I put to voters - enabling more affordable housing; faster, more reliable public transport; investment in our community facilities; backing local businesses and getting the council's costs under control.

"I want to acknowledge everyone who stood in this election. Local democracy is stronger when people step forward with ideas and conviction. I also want to acknowledge outgoing Mayor Tory Whanau for her service to the city.

"Congratulations to all the newly elected councillors. The race is over, now our work for Wellington begins.

”The challenges ahead are real and complex, I'm confident that together we will deliver for Wellington. I'll work constructively with councillors across the political spectrum because that's what our city needs.

"The first job our council faces is to build back trust. Under my leadership Wellingtonians can expect a council that is solely focused on what's best for the city, and that is my clear expectation. I will also make it a priority for the council organisation to be more transparent, open and accountable to the public.

"I'll work with central government, regardless of who's in power, and I'll build - and rebuild - enduring and positive relationships with businesses, workers, community groups, mana whenua and any Wellingtonian who wants to play a part in making our city better.

"I'm proud to have run a positive, energetic campaign. Our team knocked on more than 30,000 doors, made over 8,000 phone calls, delivered over 100,000 flyers, took part in 37 public debates and held over 100 meetings with community and business leaders. In the last month alone we made over two million impressions on social media.

"Wellingtonians are smart, creative, and care deeply about our city. You have big ideas worth listening to. And as Mayor I will listen.

“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to deliver the change Wellington needs.”