Celia Wade-Brown lodges nomination for Mayor

Celia Wade-Brown lodged her nomination for re-election as Mayor of Wellington on Thursday August 15th. Much has been achieved despite tough economic times and she's keen to continue to deliver genuine progress for Wellington citizens.

She says "Highlights of the last three years include Rugby World Cup, The Hobbit Premiere, introducing cbdfree wi-fi, and enabling successful business expansion into China. My warmest moment was re-opening the Central Park flats after seismic strengthening and refurbishment. Four town centre upgrades, four new artificial turfs, four school pool upgrades and new mountain bike tracks show we've supported the community while keeping rates to their lowest level in years."

"On the transport front, introducing Courtenay Place bus lanes, the Tawa shared path, slower speeds in several suburban centres, transferable parking tickets, Snapper and txts for parking payment and getting rid of the "spy car" show we support real transport choices. Kicking off the resource consent process for the airport extension gave a boost for business confidence."

"Our Smart Capital vision supports hi-tech digital jobs with NetHui, Webstock and Digital Earth events. Introducing the principle of a Living Wage means we're a compassionate Council. Despite public sector cuts, we've promoted Wellington, added new events, confirmed well-loved favourites like WOW, Homegrown and the Sevens. We've had significant job growth of over 5000 jobs in the region in the last year."

"The Smart Capital vision created Our Living City, including water-use reduction, increased recycling, e-waste recovery, native re-vegetation, more community gardens, clean-ups and more sustainable urban design to reduce pollution of our coast and harbour. Two Million Trees by 2020 connects staff, volunteers and corporates to green the city and our reserves."

One aspect of our Smart Capital is a focus on putting people at the centre of our concern - a multicultural, inclusive place to live, aiming to solve homelessness by 2020. Another is a proud focus on being New Zealand's capital city; leading engagement with the diplomatic corps, welcoming New Zealand and overseas students to enjoy our national institutions from Te Papa to Parliament and promoting our excellent public sector expertise."

"And, very importantly, long term investment in earthquake preparedness has had a boost in funding so we will complete all pre-1976 building assessments by mid-2014. Home assessments, earthquake seminars and business expos and continual communications have enhanced Our physical and community earthquake preparedness. This was put to the test with the July Cook Strait earthquake and emergency management came through with flying colours."

"Looking forward, now I have lodged my nomination, I shall cease using the @WellingtonMayor twitter account my friendly competitor Jack Yan gave me in October 2010 until after the elections. I've been scrupulous in using it for comments consistent with Council policy and to promote Wellington." Any followers may switch to @celiaformayor. All tweets on either account have been from Celia herself, providing an authentic voice in cyberspace.

"In the next three years I'll focus on growing the new low-carbon economy, realising the immediate potential of shared services, promoting urban regeneration without urban sprawl, extending bus priority and cycle lanes into more suburbs and mitigating the effects of the Roads of National Significance." An Innovation Hub, a conference centre without a casino, a Blue Belt along the inner harbour, the Ocean Exploration Centre, Centres of International Excellence and affordable housing to rent and buy will be brought to fruition if there is a progressive Council elected.

"Our new CEO's idea of initiating a Decade of Culture is a good way to introduce new Arts infrastructure and events, while supporting existing theatres and national institutions. I support exciting new propositions such as a National Māori Performing Arts Centre and transforming our acoustically outstanding Town Hall into a significant music hub."

"Wellington's future is bright and I look forward to continuing a collaborative leadership style while making faster progress to genuine wellbeing."

For achievements and priorities in more detail, plus Celia's bio and vision, see celiaformayor.org.nz

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