The time has come for change, Wellington.

Celia Wade-Brown has announced her intention to stand down as Mayor, giving Wellington an opportunity to bring about fresh change in our leadership. This is an opportunity to redefine our priorities as a city. To do that, we need look towards what makes our community great.

However, we should not just be content with a transfer of the Mayoral chains. We need to make drastic changes to the helm of our city, in order to destroy the “Toxic Culture” which recently has become synonymous with Wellington’s City Council.

Looking at the list of current City Council nominees, there are a number of new faces representative of a range of our city’s diverse cultures. Many of whom have the drive and passion to affect that much needed change. The time has come for fresh blood.

What makes a good local politician? Being a part of our community is a huge requirement. Wellington is a diverse cosmopolitan with its own culture and soul. The City Council are there to represent the interest of our whole city. It must be made of people who represent a mixture of our communities and their values, to ensure our Rates are being spent in our best interest.

As the youngest (current) City Council 2016 nominee, I will ensure that our young professionals have a voice in our city, I will work with the small businesses to encourage growth and diversity in our city, I will work with the community to bring balance to our City Council, I will ensure Wellington points its priorities in the right direction.

When Wellingtonians vote this October, I hope we remember what really matters: our people; our culture; our identity as a city. Ideals which seem to have been left by the wayside as infighting and bickering has become the norm. Maybe it is time for some of our long term councillors to reacquaint themselves with our community.

The standing down of Mayor Wade-Brown is an open call for Wellington to herald in a new era. Will it be more of the same “Toxic Culture” our City Council has become accustomed to? Or will it be a new direction for our City? Only your vote on October the 8th can decide.

Troy Mihaka for Lambton Ward, Wellington City Council - www.facebook.com/crTroyMihaka

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