• Council to be more transparent, democratic and accountable to the people of Wellington
• Attempts to close community facilities halted and new investments prioritised
• Stronger oversight and controls over Council projects

Andrew Little has launched his Mayoral campaign with a commitment to drive change at Wellington City Council and to protect and invest in community facilities.

Speaking to a packed venue at Wellington’s Wharewaka Function Centre, Andrew Little laid out two key policy planks to rebuild public trust and confidence in Council.

“I am standing for Mayor because Wellington needs urgent change and serious leadership if we’re going to get our city back to its best,” Andrew Little said.

“This is a city full of creative people with drive and with big ideas. As I get around and talk to Wellingtonians, it’s clear the answers are here already, we just need a Council that works alongside them and listens.

“I am committed to driving change at Council by making it more transparent, more democratic and more accountable to the people of Wellington.

“I will end the culture of closed door meetings and misuse of commercial confidentiality, ensure Councillors get the information they need to make good decisions and ensure the public’s voice has a meaningful impact on the decisions Council makes.

“All major decision papers at Council will include a Community Impact Statement, which will outline the impact of the decision on affected communities as well as an accurate summary of their feedback.

“Rebuilding trust in the Council also means ensuring it is prioritising the projects that matter to communities.

“Over the last three years the Council has threatened to cut swimming pools, libraries and community centres over relatively small amounts of money, while at the same time overseeing a $150 million blowout on the Town Hall and proposing to give $32 million to an international cinema chain.

“It is clear stronger financial management and better prioritisation is needed. By favouring low-cost, practical solutions we can protect the community facilities we have and invest in the new upgrades needed.

“If I am elected Mayor I will protect Khandallah Pool, the Begonia House, Karori Event Centre and our suburban libraries, and I will prioritise new investment in community facilities in high-use areas, starting with Kilbirnie and Tawa.

“To make sure projects are well-managed and to reduce the risk of blowouts I will set up an external capital advisory group made up of construction, engineering and project management professionals who will report to the Mayor and Council.”

“Over the coming months I will be announcing more policies focusing on the major challenges facing Wellington, including transport, housing and revitalising our city.

“Wellington is a great city to live in, but it could be so much better. If I am elected Mayor it will be my job to work alongside all of our communities to drive the change the city needs.”

Policy documents:

A Council that Serves Wellington: https://www.andrewlittle.nz/policy-a-council-that-serves-wellington

Prioritising our Community Facilities: https://www.andrewlittle.nz/policy-prioritising-our-community-facilities

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