Foster to take over transport portfolio

Wellington Mayor Andy Foster has announced which councillor is getting what portfolio – nearly a month after taking over the mayoral chains from former mayor Justin Lester.

Foster has given himself the transport and urban development portfolio, which will include the controversial initiative Let’s Get Wellington Moving.

He said each councillor would ‘‘progress projects in their portfolio’’ and be the spokesperson for that area.

‘‘They will take a strategic and policy leadership role in their area.’’

The six new councillors had shown ‘‘keenness to get on with the job in their areas’’.

Deputy mayor Sarah Free will support Foster in the transport portfolio as associate, focusing on walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure.

Councillor Iona Pannett will oversee the district plan, Civic Square, building resilience, heritage and consenting as associate urban development portfolio holder.

The Green councillor will also share leadership on ‘‘placemaking’’ and community-led planning with councillor Sean Rush, who has made critical comments about green politics. Rush will also take the lead on property and alternative energy.

Councillor Diane Calvert, who was a runner-up for the mayoral chains, will take economic development, while councillor Simon Woolf will take sport and recreation.

Fleur Fitzsimons will continue to look after issues to do with the Central Library, as libraries and community facilities lead.

New councillors Laurie Foon, Jenny Condie and Teri O’Neil will preside over waste minimisation, another associate transport role and natural environment respectively.

Councillor Tamatha Paul will take leadership in climate change, while Rebecca Matthews – who could lose her role in the mayoral recount – will take the community engagement portfolio.