Porirua City Council has the most diverse representation in NZ. This year, Porirua’s women councillors are calling for more women to stand in local government elections in support of the “Better Balance” theme for International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March

Porirua City has five women elected, three of whom are Pasifika and Māori.

“For communities to make good decisions, women need to be at the table” says three term councillor and mayoral candidate, ‘Ana Coffey. “We’re asking for communities, men and women, to support excellent women candidates for elections. We need more women, more Māori and Pasifika women, more LGBTQI+ women, to be at the table.”

“Gender balance is essential for communities to thrive,” says Deputy Mayor Izzy Ford. “We’re lucky to have a diverse group of women who represent Porirua. We don’t automatically agree with each other on issues, however we’re supportive of each other having our say. It’s a great environment. All council tables should have better balance.”

Northern Ward councillor Anita Baker believes Porirua is well served by the women on council. “We’re all very opinionated and strong women. We stand up for what we think is right and represent a wide range of views across our community. It’s not typical for communities to be so well represented by women at board tables and council tables.”

Kylie Wihapi is the youngest councillor in Porirua. “We need more young women at the table. I’m young by local government standards, but that’s not saying much. Only 6% of all local government representatives are under 40.”

Porirua City Council women representatives, Kylie Wihapi, Anita Baker, Dame Beverly Wakem, ‘Ana Coffey and Deputy Mayor Izzy Ford.

Nominations open July 19 and polling day is October 12

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