Media Release
9 September 2013

Mayor hopefuls answer Chamber’s questions

Which of the Wellington mayoral candidates has an action plan? Which looks like they have their finger on the pulse? Which is offering more of the same? Which two oppose the Living Wage? What are their views on extending the airport runway and how would they pay for it?

The answers to these and other questions to the six mayoral candidates are released today by Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, and they make interesting reading.

The Chamber sent questions to all candidates in the October 12 election as part of its contribution to helping ratepayers get access to the best information possible before postal voting opens on September 20.

The mayoral candidates are: Rob Goulden, John Morrison, Karunanidhi Muthu, Celia Wade-Brown, Jack Yan, Nicola Young.

The answers can be found on the Chamber’s website. The responses from those standing for councillor will be released tomorrow.

Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley said the Chamber would not be commenting on the answers.

“The Chamber is non-partisan, and will not endorse individual candidates or political parties. We were interested only in asking the questions and believe the answers will speak for themselves.

“We asked the questions in the interests of enhanced transparency and good democracy so we can help to identify candidates who support actions and policies which will enhance Wellington as a good city to do business in.

“We support local government policies which enable business to flourish and which promote the interests of Wellington.

“Wellington is at a crossroads so it’s vital everyone is as informed as they can be heading into this election.

“We need a council that is fit for purpose and ready and capable of taking on the challenges ahead. We want to see people with vision and expertise running our city.”

The Chamber expects the answers to prompt further questions when the Wellington Employers’ Chamber partners with The Dominion Post and Massey University to host the mayoral candidates’ debate this Thursday at Massey University at 5.30pm. This will be a free event, open to the public.

Local elections
• Last day to enrol: 6 October
• Postal voting starts: 20 September
• Voting closes: Midday 12 October (to be valid, papers must be hand delivered or posted to arrive by this date and time)

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