Wellington City Council: Onslow-Western ward
frittered away on vanity projects and virtue signalling. The council should focus on delivering core services that are affordable.
‘‘The council is responsible for transport infrastructure and should invest in bus lanes, park and ride facilities, and making cycling safer. It’s about priorities: cancel the convention centre to fund it. The city council can’t fix the buses but I would advocate much harder for you with regional council.’’
Simon Woolf,
59, WCC councillor and photography business owner
‘‘I am a strong and proven leader in business, sports , the arts, and in our community. I bring a common-sense, vision based approach to council. I’m a great listener, and have vast governance experience. I am an upstander, not a bystander, for Wellington, and our ward.
‘‘Transport is key to Wellington from resilience, economic, health and social perspectives. Great public transport, using Energy Efficient Bus Rapid Transport is a number 1 priority. Reducing congestion and emissions is essential. A second Mt Victoria tunnel, and cohesive smart arterial routes, linking suburbs, needs to happen soon. ‘‘
Conor Hill,
36, project adviser
‘‘I want Wellington to be the best city in the world. Every Wellingtonian deserves a warm dry home, and a hassle-free commute. The Central Library, Wellington’s democratic heart, must take precedence over a convention centre or an airport runway extension.
‘‘I’ll work to keep rates and carbon emissions low.
‘‘As a daily bus user, I will fix the buses as soon as possible. I will work with commuters, drivers and other stakeholders to deliver a public transport service that works for all Wellingtonians. I’ll ensure our roads work better for everyone, and build a people friendly Golden Mile.’’ Ray Chung, 50+, national and international sales manager
‘‘My vision is that Wellington can be a high performing and thriving place to live and work. Where high value jobs are created by successful businesses and council waste is weeded out. Giving me your first preference is a vote for prudent fiscal management, focus on growth, and waste reduction.
‘‘Working with the GWRC, I will support direct bus routes for communities such as Karori, Northland and Broadmeadows. I will implement free weekend travel for children on the buses and I advocate for affordable bus fares enhancing the liveability for all Wellingtonians while ensuring ratepayers get better value for money.’’
Diane Calvert,
58, WCC councillor ‘‘After three years on council, I want to continue making a positive difference to this city, with a focus on revitalising our local centres and economy.
‘‘My achievements over three years, include improved community engagement, saving Khandallah pool, and strongly advocating on things that matter to you e.g. buses.
‘‘The GWRC failed bus service has driven people back into cars and their confidence in the service has been lost. I will continue to advocate on your behalf and work within our council and GWRC to ensure Wellingtonians get the bus service they need and deserve.’’
Michelle Rush,
54, facilitator and
trainer
‘‘Want to contribute to making Wellington a great place to live and work for future generations. Have a unique skill set: 25-year career of facilitation on complex natural resource and planning issues. Specialist in public engagement and collaborative processes where people from diverse backgrounds can reach consensus decisions.
‘‘Support LGWM. But we need ‘quick wins’ too: smart apps to help double passengers per car; Free public transport for kids on weekends; ‘Healthy Streets’ approach to all street improvement projects. More frequent, cheaper public transport, fast-track cycle/ power scooter infrastructure. Bus priority now.’’
Andy Foster,
57, WCC councillor and company director
‘‘I want to make good things happen. Locally that’s included Karori’s pool, recreation centre, library, park redevelopment, Makara Peak, Zealandia, Wadestown’s Fort Buckley, Anne Street Trig, Khandallah’s school pool, track developments, many green belt purchases, environmental restoration and predator control etc. I’m currently working on several other exciting local projects.
‘‘I’m a regular bus user. Unreliable buses are frustrating. The biggest thing city council can do is bus priority. Finally both councils are committed and public engagement starts in February. I’m working with GWRC to resurrect the Airport Flyer, and trial shuttle buses from hill areas (Ngaio/Crofton?) to railway stations.’’