Media Release

3 November, 2016

Capital’s Mayor and Council gear up for action

Mayor Justin Lester is leading a two-day strategic planning session with Councillors and senior managers this week to agree a unified vision for the Council for the next three years.

“As candidates we spoke to thousands of Wellingtonians during the recent election campaign,” says Mayor Lester. “We know residents see the enormous opportunities in front of our city and want positive, active leadership to help us seize them.

“We love this city, Wellingtonians love this city, and we all know there are some areas where we can improve.

“These strategy days will help us align key projects and work streams, and agree on priorities so we can hit the ground running,” Mayor Lester says.

Since taking office over three weeks ago, Mayor Lester has announced the new Councillors’ portfolios, including the creation of City Ambassador and City Scientist portfolios.

A new streamlined committee structure, with the four policy-based committees centralised into a single City Strategy committee, has been put in place.

A Housing Task Force to be led by Deputy Major Paul Eagle, to take a holistic view of housing provision and affordability in the Capital, has been created. A summit will be held before Christmas, with a report back to Council scheduled for April.

On the 14th November, the Mayor will host The Wellington Summit, where the Council will listen to interested parties’ thoughts on the areas of transport, housing, the economy, sport, events, arts and the environment.

“Wellington is humming. We have a growing population, which comes with increased demands on transport and housing, a flourishing economy and an active arts and culture scene, all of which need planning for,” Mayor Lester says.

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