Green MP Sue Kedgley today said she was delighted that Ray Ahipene-Mercer had been elected to take her place on the Wellington City Council.

The Green Party chose not to stand a candidate in the Eastern Ward by-election and instead endorsed Mr Ahipene-Mercer.

Ms Kedgley said the Greens had a great deal of respect for Mr Ahipene-Mercer and his environmental work, and were thrilled that a strong green voice had been overwhelmingly elected to council.

"We are pleased also that for the first time in decades a Maori has been elected to this council. The Green Party believed Ray was the best man for the job and are confident he will advocate strongly on behalf of a wide range of constituents and the environment," she said.

"The election of a long-time environmentalist shows clearly that Wellingtonians have concerns about their natural environment, which is a very good sign," she said.

"The Eastern Ward have elected the right person to do something about it."

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