With three months before the people of Pōneke vote for future Councillors and a new Mayor, Wellington City Council has released its 2025 pre-election report.

This statutory report provides an overview of the significant challenges and opportunities Pōneke faces, so the general public and candidates running for Council better understand the city’s state of play.

The 2025 report highlights some key challenges and opportunities ahead, encouraging candidates to consider how these may influence their decision-making as possible future Councillors.

The main challenges the city is facing addressed in the report include rates affordability, infrastructure and resilience, building community engagement and satisfaction, and major Central Government reforms impacting local government.

Wellington City Council Chief Executive Matt Prosser says Wellington is in the midst of an intensive programme of transformation and renewal but is beginning to see the benefits of the current investment.

“Like all cities, we face challenges: from economic headwinds to social issues to climate change. Our cost-of-living pressures are similar to the rest of the country, but alongside our residents and businesses, Wellington City Council itself faces additional financial pressures due to high insurance costs.

“As a Council, we have an undiversified investment portfolio – a risk if we get hit by a major disaster – and we need to carefully manage an infrastructure deficit and build earthquake resilience whilst managing the affordability of the city now and in the future.

“We are, however, beginning to see the benefits of the current investment – a reduced backlog of water leaks, earthquake strengthening progress, construction of Te Whare Wai Para Nuku Moa Point sludge minimisation facility, more sustainable transport options, increasing biodiversity, and more visibility of te ao Māori right across the city – alongside the continued provision of hundreds of services to our residents every day.

“The pace of positive change will ramp up next year, with major milestones to celebrate in 2026 including the reopening of Te Matapihi Central Library and Te Ngākau Civic Square. Te Whare Whakarauika Wellington Town Hall will follow in 2027.

“This pre-election report offers information and data to inform candidates looking to stand in the election and questions for voters to ask when deciding who to vote for.

“Being an elected member is a chance to shape Wellington. It is not without challenges – including tough decisions in a context of heightened public debate and frustration directed, at times, towards public representatives. But it offers rich experiences, the joy of connecting with people across the city, and the chance to make a real difference.

“Candidates can find further information to support their candidacy and understanding of how the Council works on our website, including our candidate handbook.

“I encourage all eligible voters to get out and vote for the candidates that speak to you and the Wellington you want to live in. I hope this pre-election report is helpful in guiding the questions you may have for candidates and in your overall decision-making when it comes to your vote. I look forward to working together with the new Council and Community Boards to serve Wellington and the residents, community groups and businesses that make this a thriving city.”

The pre-election report is produced every three years before the local body elections. It is required under the Local Government Act 2002, with the purpose of providing information to promote public discussion about the issues facing the local authority. 

Candidate nominations opened on 4 July, and close at 12 noon on 1 August 2025.

Full pre-election report and accessible version, and further information available here: Pre-election report 2025 - Elections - Wellington City Council

Printed copies will be available in all Wellington City Library branches by 18 July. 

For voter, candidate and Māori ward information visitwellington.govt.nz/elections.

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