Hutt City Councillor Gabriel Tupou has announced his candidacy for the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC). With almost nine years of experience in local government, Tupou reflects on his service in achieving positive outcomes for communities across Te Awakairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt. “My time as a Community Representative on Greater Wellington’s Whaitua (Water Catchment) Committee, Chair of the Wainuiomata Community Board, and as a Hutt City Councillor has given me the experience, insights and relationships to serve our region. I hope to add value to a diverse and talented group of strategic leaders who also care for the health and prosperity of our region” says Tupou. “I’m standing for a Regional Council that takes action on Te Mana o te Wai — water conservation, delivers reliable public transport, and builds up our resilience for a growing population who experience the daily challenges of a housing and cost-of-living crisis.”

Fauono Ken Laban, a current GWRC councillor and candidate for Mayor of Lower Hutt is supportive of Tupou’s candidacy, highlighting his strong community and governance trackrecord: “I have known and supported Gabriel for many years, including during his time on the Community Board and Hutt City Council. He is a competent and talented governor with huge potential in public service. He would be a tremendous advocate for our community on the GWRC and I wish him well.” GWRC Councillor Quentin Duthie also acknowledges Tupou’s contribution to the Whaitua process and his dedication to Te Mana o Te Wai: “Gabriel is a strong advocate for the Lower Hutt community and environment. We worked together on ways to restore the health of our waterways so they can again be clean and safe for swimming. A vote for Gabriel is a vote for the health of our water, land and people.”

Tupou believes in strong local representation alongside Mana Whenua on regional decisions, including major initiatives like RiverLink in central Hutt City and Puketaha—a proposed ecological bird sanctuary in Wainuiomata set to be 13 times the size of Zealandia. “I will bring the voice of Te Awakairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt to the regional table” says Tupou. “Whether it’s flood protection, oversight of our regional parks, or better public transport options—I'm ready to listen, engage, and deliver. Send me to Wellington, and I’ll bring my very best to represent our people and work hard for our entire region.”

Gabriel Tupou is a Wainuiomata resident, classical tenor, former public servant, and Hutt City Councillor. He is a manager for the Sisters of Compassion charity, volunteers as a trustee for the Duke of Edinburgh and Hillary Award and the Manaaki Ability Trust. Tupou also serves with the Māori Wardens.

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