Latest news with #DianeCalvert
RNZ News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
'Woman's voice' Diane Calvert joins Wellington mayoral race
Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert says she's running for the mayoralty, saying it is important that a woman's voice is part of the mayoral race. Calvert, a three-time councillor, joins six men vying for the job - including former Labour leader Andrew Little. Current Mayor Tory Whanau ruled herself out of the race in April, saying Little's entry had changed the game. Calvert's announcement comes after a dramatic fortnight in which candidate Ray Chung was accused of dirty tactics after an email leak. Chung had sent the email, seen by RNZ, to three fellow councillors in early 2023 recounting third-hand claims about a sexual encounter with Whanau . Calvert said she had been encouraged to stand for mayor to offer "a credible alternative". She had become increasingly concerned about the way the mayoral campaign had unfolded over the past two weeks. "Like many Wellingtonians, I've had concerns about the tone, the tactics and the lack of focus on the big challenges ahead. That's part of what prompted me to stand for both mayor and my ward. I will bring a steady voice and experienced leadership to the table, both during the campaign and if elected. "I'm not affiliated with any group and will work across the political spectrum to find common ground to move the city forward. It's also important to me that a woman's voice is part of the mayoral race, and one grounded in experience - not noise." Calvert said Wellington faced "one of its most challenging and defining periods" due to the major reform facing local government , and other "key issues" including rates affordability , care of infrastructure and community engagement. "As a three-term councillor, I know the council and how the system works. I also know what needs fixing and how to navigate the challenges ahead." Her campaign's focus would include getting the basics right, respecting ratepayers and "restoring a council that listens, engages and delivers". "This campaign isn't about grand promises - it's about practical, deliverable action that improves life for Wellingtonians. Wellington needs a reset, and I'm ready to lead and collaborate on making that happen." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
17-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Labour-endorsed Andrew Little formally launches campaign for Wellington mayoralty
Current councillor Diane Calvert, who has previously run for the mayoralty, told NZME she was 'shocked and frankly appalled' to see a last-minute recommendation from council officials to close Khandallah Pool. The buildings, which have been proposed for demolition or cuts, were described as 'places that bring people together' by Little in his speech. Investment in community facilities makes up a main portion of his proposal to voters. The first projects proposed for action would be an upgrade to Kilbirnie community facilities and ensuring the Tawa library becomes a 'modern community hub'. Little has labelled spending on the facilities a 'drop in the ocean', saying the council is dealing with a nearly $5 billion capital budget over the next decade. Speaking to a room of Labour faithful, journalists and members of the public, Little outlined his passion for 'housing, climate change and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.' Little said he had spent his time listening since his decision to run for Wellington City Council's top job, adding it was 'disheartening' that many locals had gone to the council for support and have had 'no real engagement'. Putting every major council decision to a community impact statement would show who was consulted, their comments and how it impacted the outcome. The ex-Labour MP suggested there had been 'rushed decisions' and people had been shut out. 'I'll open the doors,' the mayoral hopeful told supporters. 'Under my leadership, the days of excluding the public from council meetings will be over.' He is proposing to put the axe through the 'misuse' of commercial confidentiality, claiming it often shows the council does not want to be transparent about its spending. If he is elected, a public accountability report would be delivered each year. Little's campaign launch was attended by current Labour-backed councillors, along with Labour MPs Ayesha Verrall, Greg O'Connor, Ginny Andersen and Barbara Edmonds. Former Mayor Justin Lester was in attendance, alongside ex-Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer. Verrall, Labour's Wellington issues spokeswoman, addressed the crowd, saying she was 'very proud to call Andrew Little a friend'. Before the event, current Labour councillor Ben McNulty promised Little would have policy announcements at the campaign launch to stop the city council's 'shenanigans'. In a post to social media site X, he said people outside what he deemed a 'hellsite' loathed the current council, adding 'elected members have nurtured this culture'. Little secured endorsement from the local Labour branch last month, vowing to run a 'people-powered' campaign. Several other candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to be the leader of the next iteration of Wellington City Council, with the list including Graham Bloxham, Karl Tiefenbacher, Kelvin Hastie, Ray Chung and Rob Goulden. Incumbent Tory Whanau is stepping aside and is instead making a bid for the council's Māori ward, endorsed by the Greens.
