Mayoral Candidate Justin Lester today launched his campaign and introduced his Labour team for the upcoming local government elections.

The campaign will focus on addressing homelessness, creating a people-focused CBD and a Welcome Home package for refugees.

In front of a large crowd at Wellington’s Wharewaka, Lester outlined his Councils achievements so far. “When I was elected Mayor three years ago the Councillor relationships were considered toxic and many people felt the city lacked a clear plan,” he said. “Over the last two years Wellington has been recognised as the World’s Most Liveable City and this council has delivered our entire triennium programme”

“Issues are no longer put in the too hard basket and the Council is making necessary decisions to drive Wellington’s future.

“We’ve had unanimous votes on the vast majority of major decisions including the Convention Centre construction, a vast array of housing projects, Omāroro Reservoir and the strengthening of both the Town Hall and St James.

“Our Central Library needs to be repaired and our transport system requires modernisation, and that’s what we’re working towards. We'll have decisions on both soon."

Lester said he was determined that over the next three years, homelessness would become an exception on Wellington streets.

“Three years ago, one of my campaign platforms was dealing with the homeless situation and I’ve focused much attention on that area, to the point where major housing developments in Wellington now include a significant number dedicated to supported living. This emphasis on our most vulnerable citizens is a step change.

“Our aim is to deliver enough supported living units to get our homeless population off the streets and into a home.”

He said he wanted to help transform Wellington into a people-focused CBD.

“We aim to transform the way people travel around our city and particularly in the Eastern and Southern suburbs, we’ll upgrade our laneways, remove private vehicles from the Golden Mile, have more parking for electric vehicles, motorbikes, scooters and bikes and prioritise people when designing our city’s spaces”.

Lester said that in the wake of the March terror attacks there would be an emphasis on building inclusive, diverse and strong communities.

“We will introduce Welcome Home, a comprehensive package of initiatives designed to integrate refugees and their families when they settle into Wellington. It will include free entry to Council-provided services, including swimming pools, swimming lessons, visitor attractions, library services and recreation facilities. The Welcome Home package will dovetail with our Leisure Card programme, which will provide affordable access to Council services for those on low incomes.”

He said that over the past three years he had worked hard to make necessary decisions and get things done. “I’m seeking a second term so I can implement what we’ve started and ensure Wellington is positioned strongly for the future.”

Getting Things Done Campaign Pledges from 2016 and current status

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