Andrew Little Launches Campaign, Promising Change At Council
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
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
8 hours ago
- RNZ News
Napier councillor Nigel Simpson launches second bid to be mayor
Nigel Simpson. Photo: Supplied Napier City councillor Nigel Simpson is having another crack at the top job. The second-term councillor says he is determined to deliver the "decisive change" Napier needs. "I'm standing for mayor for the same reasons I did in 2022. Napier needs someone to lead it who knows how to think strategically and can plan ahead," he said. "At the moment the staff are at sixes and sevens because of the constant inconsistency, which doesn't help with efficiency and affects the ability of staff to do their job. "That's not a criticism of staff, that's on elected members' shoulders for constantly changing the rules on how we operate." He says several councillors have indicated they won't be seeking re-election. "This is an opportunity to find councillors with the skills to create strategic plans for staff to get stuck in." Simpson says Napier has been let down by poor decisions, costly distractions, and a lack of consistent governance, and "the city deserves better". "Our community deserves a mayor and council that knows how to think strategically, set a clear and consistent direction, and keep rates under control. Right now, we have the opposite: chaotic budgeting, reactive decisions, and a long list of broken promises. He says he would immediately fight to scrap an unbudgeted $20 million plus regional park to filter stormwater into Ahuriri, rethink the $110m library and Council building project and reset the council. "There must be a strong focus on essential infrastructure and core services." The consultant and part-time farmer says when he's not working he likes to walk and enjoys getting away in his caravan for micro breaks. "Sadly I take my laptop and work. But hey, they say a change is as good as a holiday." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Scoop
US Vetoes Security Council Resolution Demanding Permanent Ceasefire In Gaza
4 June 2025 The text, co-sponsored by Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia – collectively known as the E-10 – received 14 votes in favour, with the US casting the lone vote against. As one of the council's five permanent members, the US holds veto power – a negative vote that automatically blocks any resolution from going forward. Had it been adopted, the draft would have demanded 'an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza' to be respected by all parties. Release all hostages The text reaffirmed the Council's earlier call for the ' immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.' The draft also expressed grave concern over the ' catastrophic humanitarian situation ' in Gaza – following months of almost total Israeli aid blockade – including the risk of famine, highlighted by recent assessments by international food security experts. It reaffirmed the obligation of all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. Resume flow of aid In addition to a ceasefire, the draft resolution demanded the ' immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions ' on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, calling for safe and unhindered access for UN and humanitarian partners across the enclave. It also urged the restoration of essential services, in accordance with humanitarian principles and prior Security Council resolutions. The text voiced support for ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to revive the phased ceasefire framework outlined in resolution 2735 (2024), which envisions a permanent cessation of hostilities, the release of all hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, the return of all remains, full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and the start of a long-term reconstruction plan. Draft resolution unacceptable: United States Speaking ahead of the vote, acting US Representative Dorothy Shea described the draft resolution as 'unacceptable'. 'US opposition to this resolution should come as no surprise – it is unacceptable for what it does say, it is unacceptable for what it does not say, and it is unacceptable for the manner in which it has been advanced,' she said. 'The United States has been clear,' she continued, 'we would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza.' She added that Hamas has rejected numerous ceasefire proposals, including one over the weekend that would have provided a pathway to end the conflict and release the remaining hostages. 'We cannot allow the Security Council to award Hamas' intransigence,' Ms. Shea said, stressing, 'Hamas and other terrorists must have no future in Gaza. As Secretary [Marco] Rubio has said: 'If an ember survives, it will spark again into a fire'.' 'The world is watching' The failure of the resolution comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with UN agencies warning of the total collapse of health services, growing displacement, and a rising death toll around the new privatized US-Israel led aid distribution system which bypasses established agencies. 'The world is watching, day after day, horrifying scenes of Palestinians being shot, wounded or killed in Gazawhile simply trying to eat,' said UN relief chief Tom Fletcher earlier on Wednesday.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
Chair refuses to apologise, rejects use of ‘kia ora' in council email
Environment Southland has eight catchment committees across the region. Photo: ODT/Supplied A chair of a southern council group is unrepentant about his behaviour at a recent meeting, which was dubbed "disrespectful" by a council leader. Mataura catchment liaison committee chair Hugh Gardyne has also rejected the use of 'kia ora' in an email reprimanding him for his actions. The committee Gardyne oversees is one of eight in the region that supports Environment Southland with local river work. In May, Gardyne gave a blunt presentation to councillors, alleging catchment management was in "a state of paralysis" under the watch of the council chief executive and that communication was ineffective with the general manager in charge. He was shut down at the end of his talk, when he mentioned an abatement notice later revealed to be one [ issued by Environment Southland against itself]. A letter from Environment Southland chair Nicol Horrell on 28 May warned Gardyne of his behaviour, saying parts of his presentation were factually incorrect and disrespectful. "My intention is both to correct your understanding of the facts, and to inform you that councillors will not tolerate any criticism levelled at staff in public meetings or disrespectful behaviour," Horrell wrote. He added it was incorrect to suggest catchment work was in a state of paralysis and accused Gardyne of not having all the facts. "I would be interested to know from where you are getting your information." The letter ended with a suggestion that Gardyne apologise to the chief executive and manager in question, but Gardyne has defended his actions, saying his criticism was about questioning professional ability. "It doesn't, in my opinion, deserve a response or an apology." Hugh Gardyne chairs the Mataura catchment liaison committee, which helps Environment Southland with river management. Photo: ODT/Supplied Gardyne said he would speak at council again in the future and the response from the general manager had been "great", following the presentation. Separately, he also took exception with the use of 'kia ora' in the email sent by Horrell, which delivered the reprimanding letter. Gardyne requested he instead be addressed with 'hello' or 'dear'. Horrell told Local Democracy Reporting using the te reo Māori greeting was commonplace and he didn't think its use would be Gardyne's biggest issue. "I would have thought that that's almost a wee bit racist." In a letter back to Horrell, Gardyne doubled down on perceived issues with river management and questioned whether the chair's concerns were shared by other members. Environment Southland oversees eight catchment liaison committees, which help the council develop annual maintenance programmes and budgets, as well as provide a local point of contact. Gardyne has been involved with the Mataura group since the early 1990s. Last month, the council said it was working to improve communication with its catchment committees. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
