18 October 2013

New Deputy Mayor and fresh lineup for Wellington City Council

Justin Lester will be appointed as Wellington City’s new Deputy Mayor, Mayor Celia Wade-Brown announced today.

Mayor Wade-Brown has spoken with all Councillors this week to discuss their roles in the new Council. She said the new Deputy has energy, ideas and commitment to do the job for Wellington.

“I’m delighted to choose Justin Lester as Wellington City’s Deputy Mayor,” she said. “During his first term, Cr Lester impressed many of us with his even-handed, thoughtful and pragmatic approach to civic issues, and showed a willingness to work cohesively with all councillors.

“The conversations I’ve had this week have been very positive. A number of councillors have the expertise, experience and commitment for the role of Deputy Mayor. I’m really looking forward to our new team stepping up, working collaboratively and enthusiastically for all Wellingtonians.”

Deputy Mayor Justin Lester said he’s relishing the opportunity to work with the Mayor.

“This Council is committed to the task ahead, this is a term for action and building on the strategic foundation we worked hard to achieve during the last term,” said Cr Lester.

“I’m honoured to be offered this role and will strive to do the best I can to serve the interests of all Wellingtonians. We’ve got a large group of new councillors who are very talented and I look forward to working with them alongside the returning councillors.”

A second-term Councillor, Justin Lester is the founder and co-owner of Ka Pai eateries based in Wellington, has a Masters degree in Law from the University of Heidelberg, and shares a home in Johnsonville with wife Elizabeth and two children Madeleine and Harriet.

A new committee structure to target the key opportunities and challenges facing the Capital, along with further appointments, will be announced over the coming weeks.

“I’ve spoken with all Councillors about their areas of interest and I‘m looking forward to announcing a new committee structure alongside clear roles and responsibilities for the new Council,” said the Mayor.

“This Council will deliver great results for the Capital over the next three years.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media