2 August 2016

Justin Lester to hit the streets of Wellington

Justin Lester has launched a series of street meet and greets all over Wellington as part of his mayoral campaign, and has signaled that community engagement will be a hallmark of his mayoralty, committing to monthly “Mayor in the Chair” sessions where Wellingtonians will be able to talk to the Mayor in public places around the city.

Lester will hold 34 street meet and greets across Wellington suburbs over the coming fortnight. The street meetings are an opportunity for the public to hear the candidate speak and to ask questions. He will be accompanied by other Labour local body candidates as well as Labour MPs Annette King and Grant Robertson.

“Wellingtonians I’m talking to are saying they want a Mayor that listens. Getting out onto local communities demonstrates my commitment to listening to people in the neighbourhoods they live in,” said Justin Lester.

“Most people can’t attend a council meeting or make a submission in formal consultation. That’s why it's critical the Mayor gets out and about the city and talks to people in their neighbourhoods about the issues facing their city and their communities.

“As Mayor I will establish “Mayor in the Chair” consultation sessions, where each month I will go to a different suburb in the city and locals can come up and ask me questions and give me feedback on their issues.

“Consultation and communication goes two ways. The Mayor shouldn’t be locked up in their office in the council building. They should be out in the community as much as possible, listening to Wellingtonians.

"Real community consultation will be a hallmark of my mayoralty. Our city will be stronger and more engaged when everyone gets a say and has access to their Mayor.

“I’m proud I helped negotiate the solution for Island Bay residents to be consulted on the future of their cycleway. That type of hands on approach to community engagement is how I will continue as Mayor.”

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