2025 Motukairangi Eastern Candidates Issues Index

Are you committed to the Council’s decarbonisation goals: Te Atakura – First to Zero?

Yes

What’s the single biggest action you’d take to halve the city’s emissions in the next five years?

Cars are the biggest source of Wellington City emissions. The easiest and most efficient way to reduce these is to complete bus and bike infrastructure and put programmes in place to facilitate mode shift away from cars

Will you advocate for aligning the Council’s spending to reflect the city’s decarbonisation goals?

Yes, though I think this is more a case of making sure we see the bus and bike infra projects through, combined with completing predator free Wellington.

Will you support the full rollout of the Paneke Pōneke bike plan within 10 years as originally envisaged?

Yes

Do you support a congestion charge being introduced?

Maybe. If paired with other mechanisms so that it didn’t have a regressive effect I would support congestion charging to avoid needing to build the second Mt Vic tunnel and facilitate mode shift away from cars.

Do you support the 2024 District Plan and the National Policy Statement on Urban Development?

Yes. Though I believe the NPS UD could have gone even further and better enabled high quality development.

What climate action would you champion that isn’t already being worked on by the Council?

Council is already working on mitigation of all significant emissions categories and sea level rise adaptation. I believe the next climate change challenge will be a land stability issues for Wellington, due to increased frequency high intensity rainfall events. I think WCC needs to do a full stocktake of critical retaining walls and potential land stability risks.

Are you committed to the Council’s decarbonisation goals: Te Atakura – First to Zero?

Yes. It’s a powerful set of aspirational policies. Implementation of the action plans requires careful planning and budgeting in order to avoid delivery problems such as the current budget blow-out on the sludge plant.

What’s the single biggest action you’d take to halve the city’s emissions in the next five years?

Vehicle emissions are the largest single component of Wellington’s emissions, so I strongly support sustainable transport options including public transport, cycling and walking and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Will you advocate for aligning the Council’s spending to reflect the city’s decarbonisation goals?

Yes, within the constraints of the Long-Term Plan budget.

Will you support the full rollout of the Paneke Pōneke bike plan within 10 years as originally envisaged?

In principle, yes, definitely, however, I am concerned at the cost of some of the schemes and from my experience, I believe some of them could be delivered more cost-effectively. Some design modifications may help in this regard.

Do you support a congestion charge being introduced?

I worked on the early stages of the London Congestion Charging Scheme, so I am aware that they can be a powerful incentive for modal shift. They can also raise significant revenue to help fund improvements in public transport, cycling and walking. A scheme in Wellington would have to be carefully designed to meet these aims, while not unreasonably penalising motor vehicle users who have no realistic alternative.

Do you support the 2024 District Plan and the National Policy Statement on Urban Development?

I support policies that promote the creation of more homes by making housing easier and more cost-effective to build. I especially support residential intensification around publictransport hubs and along major transport links. I am aware that there has been controversy about the reduction in heritage-zoned areas and I am concerned to ensure that new housing is of good quality and appropriate to the neighbourhood into which it is being introduced.

What climate action would you champion that isn’t already being worked on by the Council?

It is difficult to envisage anything that is not already covered in the Te Atakura First to Zero Plan. On a practical note, given that the Minister of Transport has stated his intention to proceed with a second Mt Victoria Tunnel, I have started a petition on change.org to ensure that this tunnel, if and when built, will have fit-for purpose walking and cycling facilities to replace the very substandard facilities in the current tunnel.

Are you committed to the Council’s decarbonisation goals: Te Atakura – First to Zero?
Yes, absolutely. Te Atakura sets an important direction, and we need to match that vision with sustained action that’s equitable, transparent, and community-led, delivered in ways that work for everyone. I value that it’s a living document with annual progress reports, but we still have a long way to go to meet our goals and futureproof our city for generations to come.

For me, that means working alongside communities to ramp up education, engagement, awareness, and storytelling, supporting people through change so this vision becomes reality.

What’s the single biggest action you’d take to halve the city’s emissions in the next five years?
I’d prioritise transforming how we move around the city, with serious investment in reliable public transport, safe cycling and walking infrastructure, and policies that reduce car dependency. Transport emissions are our biggest challenge and our biggest opportunity.

Will you advocate for aligning the Council’s spending to reflect the city’s decarbonisation goals?
Yes. Our budgets must reflect our climate priorities, that means reviewing major capital projects, prioritising low-carbon infrastructure, and making sure climate justice is built into decision-making, not treated as an add-on.

Will you support the full rollout of the Paneke Pōneke bike plan within 10 years as originally envisaged?
Yes. A connected, accessible cycle network is vital for cutting emissions and offering genuine alternatives to car use. Safe, protected cycle paths are the biggest drawcard, especially for families, children, and anyone less confident to bike - but a complete network also boosts tourism and makes the city easier to navigate. Imagine how transformative it will be when Te Ara Tupua opens and we’re linked to the wider region. I’ll also push for meaningful community engagement so the rollout addresses safety, equity, and local concerns.

Do you support a congestion charge being introduced?
Yes - but it must be fair. Exemptions or rebates should be in place for those who need to drive and can’t afford extra costs. A congestion charge could cut emissions and fund sustainable transport, but it should be part of a wider package with strong public and active transport options.

Do you support the 2024 District Plan and the National Policy Statement on Urban Development?
Yes. We need more well-located, affordable, climate-friendly housing. Intensifying near transport corridors and services makes sense, but it must be done well - with quality design, green space, and infrastructure that supports thriving, diverse and vibrant communities.

What climate action would you champion that isn’t already being worked on by the Council?
I’d champion local climate resilience hubs, community-led spaces that help neighbourhoods prepare for and respond to climate impacts. They could provide resources, education, emergency support, and tools for adaptation. Building community resilience, especially for those most at risk, should be a stronger Council priority. This is about genuine grassroots action for our communities.

Are you committed to the Council’s decarbonation goals: Te Atakura – First to Zero?

Yes. Wellington City Council declared a climate and ecological emergency in June 2019 and in August 2020 adopted the Te Atakura Implementation Plan to deliver on the commitments made in the Te Atakura Blueprint. Te Atakura shows Wellington City Council is serious about addressing climate change. So I support Te Atakura as a practical and realistic strategy to encourage and enable Wellingtonians to make climate-friendly choices.

What’s the single biggest action you’d take to halve the city’s emissions in the next five years?

We need to build on progress already made and ensure that the Vehicle & Bus fleet is fully electric.

Will you advocate for aligning the Council’s spending to reflect the city’s decarbonation goals?

Within reason and depending on how that impacts the bottom line and long-term policy objectives. Some spending cannot be deferred, such as spending on addressing Wellingtons broken and outdated infrastructure. So there will always need to be trade-offs.

Will you support the full rollout of the Paneke Pōneke bike plan within 10 years as originally envisaged?

No, I would defer further work on the rollout. I think we have spent enough on cycle lanes and we have bigger priorities to deal with like water and the debt. Wellington has to date committed substantial funds to the Pōneke bike plan, so before we commit any further funds, I would like us to pause and review usage of cycle lanes and look at how we can get more Wellingtonians out of their cars and on their bikes.**

Do you support a congestion charge being introduced?

Yes, but I would have to see the entire proposal first. I support the intent but would need to see and the details and options around how it could work in practice.

Do you support the 2024 District Plan and the National Policy Statement on Urban Development?

No, I think we need a new plan. See my Letter to the people of Wellington where I spell out my vision for how we can revitalize Wellington and take it forward.

What climate action would you champion that isn’t already being worked on by the Council?

Greater use of green, renewable energy sources for Wellington and the region, and a greater commitment to recycling and re-using finite resources.

Water issues and conservation issues such as predator free program (I agree with the current funding of this program and maybe a little bit extra given the incredible result they have already had. Great value for the city and it's image and greening the capital as far as planting is concerned, including planting on rooftops and encouraging more homegrown food, more capture of rainwater etc.

Better water conservation and stop the wastage

Are you committed to the Council’s decarbonisation goals: Te Atakura – First to Zero?

Not at this time. We have too many other more serious issues to deal with and I have my doubts about the impact several hundred thousand people can have on the planet regardless of the political situation on the matter.

What’s the single biggest action you’d take to halve the city’s emissions in the next five years?

Oddly enough as one quick example, more bus shelters! In bad weather I certainly don't want to stand about waiting for a bus in dreadful weather and not driving similarly will reduce emissions a small amount. On anything else I would want expert advice.

Will you advocate for aligning the Council’s spending to reflect the city’s decarbonisation goals?

Yes, as per my answer to (2) as applicable.

Will you support the full rollout of the Paneke Pōneke bike plan within 10 years as originally envisaged?

Not sure. It would need very certain potential use and benefits and cyclists will have to start contributing to the cost of it if cycling is to be recognised as a formal form of transport.

Do you support a congestion charge being introduced?

Yes, as a last resort. I'd rather encourage businesses etc. to try to stagger their use of transport resources and if that doesn't work then other ideas may be needed. I have a revamped transport plan in mind which is really the area of the current regional council organisation.

Do you support the 2024 District Plan and the National Policy Statement on Urban Development?

Not sure. I've not seen the policy statement and won't be looking into the matter until I have a mandate to do something about it if needed.

What climate action would you champion that isn’t already being worked on by the Council?

As above again.... more bus shelters! These are provided by the current city council rather than the regional one. Neither of these organisations may exist in the future.

Are you committed to the Council’s decarbonisation goals: Te Atakura – First to Zero?

Yes, I support Te Atakura. The climate crisis demands urgent action and should be at the centre of all our council decisions. Our local Labour team has a policy that all major council decision papers will be required to include a Community Impact Statement, which will include a clear account of the climate impact of each decision.

What’s the single biggest action you’d take to halve the city’s emissions in the next five years?

Transport is the area where local councils can have the biggest impact. A climate-friendly city that works for everyone means making buses, trains, walking, and cycling easy options.

I’m committed to cheaper, faster and more reliable public transport. This includes:

• A second city centre bus corridor along Harbour Quays,
• Improving trip times to and from Karori into the CBD,
• Working across regional and city councils, and with central government, to implement low cost improvements to improve public transport travel times.

I support the Golden Mile changes in principle, which will increase bus priority, though first ensuring it can be delivered within budget and that disruption to business caused by roadworks is minimised.

Transport cannot be separated from housing, and the comprehensive housing policy the local Labour team has released focuses on building more homes, with greater density, in the inner city and close to public transport networks.

Will you advocate for aligning the Council’s spending to reflect the city’s decarbonisation goals?

I support Te Atakura – First to Zero and the local Labour team has a policy that all major council decision papers will be required to include a Community Impact Statement, which will include a clear account of the climate impact of each decision.

Will you support the full rollout of the Paneke Pōneke bike plan within 10 years as originally envisaged?

Our transport policy is about giving people options to get around the city, and that includes making sure people who choose to cycle can do so safely.

I support rolling out the cycle network with an aim to have it completed within 10 years. I am also aware that the council faces a serious financial crunch, particularly given the recent $83million sludge plant blowout, which the next council will have to account for against current projects. This may require some rephasing of existing projects, as has already happened during this term of council when it voted to rephase the rollout as a result of government cuts to the national land transport policy.

Do you support a congestion charge being introduced?

Yes in principle, as it can encourage public transport use and also reduce pressure on the transport network at peak times. I’m also very aware that council needs revenue tools other than rates.

However, I do believe we need to have sufficiently reliable and affordable public transport before it is introduced in Wellington, and I have concerns about the impact on low-income households. There would also have to be exemptions. Trades professionals and other service providers would need to be able to meet their client requirements without additional cost to both.

I'd want to address these issues with our regional council and central government before we introduced a congestion charge in Wellington.

Do you support the 2024 District Plan and the National Policy Statement on Urban Development?

Yes, I do. Labour councillors were one of the drivers of the ambitious new District Plan enabling more homes to be built, led the conversion of empty offices into affordable rentals, protected our public housing stock, and kickstarted the review of rates policy to incentivise development of vacant land.

However, more needs to be done. Wellington City Council must embrace density and take an active role in shaping a city that is modern, liveable, and enables people to live in communities where they work and play, while protecting our most vulnerable. Our housing policy includes:

• Changing consenting practice to be more proactive and supportive of development.
• Incentivising more office to residential conversions.
• Setting up an urban development office (UDO) within WCC to support developers to coordinate residential development alongside transport upgrades.
• Protecting Wellington’s social housing and continuing the HUP2 upgrades

What climate action would you champion that isn’t already being worked on by the Council?

In addition to the policies listed above:

• Investigate a Council ‘green jobs’ programme for projects like home insulation, solar installs, native planting, and water restoration in partnership with central government, unions, iwi, local training institutions, and industry bodies, keeping jobs in-house where possible.
• Work collaboratively with local and regional authorities to develop a regional climate plan with clear emission targets and annual reporting to the public.
• Back the development of meaningful resilience and adaptation plans for Wellington’s most vulnerable communities, including to address flooding and sea level rise.
• Plant more trees in reserves to create habitat for native birds and plant more street trees to provide shade to pedestrians (particularly in under-served suburbs).
• Develop a 100-year vision of environmental restoration for te taiao in partnership with the community, including with iwi, hapū, and other Māori communities.

Are you committed to the Council’s decarbonisation goals: Te Atakura – First to Zero? 

Yes.

What’s the single biggest action you’d take to halve the city’s emissions in the next five years? 

Bus priority measures on the #2 route from the Eastern Suburbs to the CBD alongside a second bus route through the CBD will reduce travel time by up to twenty minutes. Making the bus faster, more reliable and cheaper will encourage more people to ride the bus and will reduce our transport emissions, which make up more than half of our city's total climate pollution.

Will you advocate for aligning the Council’s spending to reflect the city’s decarbonisation goals? 

Yes.

Will you support the full rollout of the Paneke Pōneke bike plan within 10 years as originally envisaged? 

Yes.

Do you support a congestion charge being introduced? 

Yes, provided the funding generated by the charge is used to reduce our city's climate emissions, and the congestion charge system is designed in a way that takes into account the impact on low-income residents.

Do you support the 2024 District Plan and the National Policy Statement on Urban Development? 

Yes. I support rules and regulations that encourage the development of good-quality affordable housing within our city, especially near major transport routes and community facilities.

What climate action would you champion that isn’t already being worked on by the Council? 

I would like to install solar panels at all suitable locations on council-owned properties. This would include roofs, but also looking at options like mounting panels on poles above car parks or other suitable spaces. Creating our energy will not only reduce our climate pollution, but it will also make us more resiliant and save the city money in the long-run.

Are you committed to the Council’s decarbonisation goals: Te Atakura – First to Zero?

Not while chasing it will result in an unaffordable place to live

What’s the single biggest action you’d take to halve the city’s emissions in the next five years?

I do not believe it is possible with our financial constraints

Will you advocate for aligning the Council’s spending to reflect the city’s decarbonisation goals?
Not while it will result in an unaffordable place to live

Will you support the full rollout of the Paneke Pōneke bike plan within 10 years as originally envisaged?

no

Do you support a congestion charge being introduced?

no

Do you support the 2024 District Plan and the National Policy Statement on Urban Development?

No as it is likely to result in less development

What climate action would you champion that isn’t already being worked on by the Council?

Am very happy to look at all suggestions on merit and cost