Chamber releases local government candidate questionnaires

Wellington Chamber of Commerce

Media Statement
Friday 16th September 2016

Chamber releases local government candidate questionnaires

Wellington Chamber of Commerce has published questionnaire responses from local government candidates on their website, ahead of next month’s local body elections.

Chamber Chief Executive John Milford says the questionnaire is a useful tool for voters because it puts the candidates’ election promises in writing, so helping voters to be better informed before choosing who to vote for and also enabling them to hold the winners to account after October 8.

“The upcoming local body elections will determine the future direction of the city and wider Wellington region. The elected councillors will make decisions on behalf of us all.

“When business pays 46% of the city's rates - the highest proportion in New Zealand - and one-third of the region’s rates, they have a real stake in what council leadership decides to do with that money.

“With voting papers arriving in mail boxes across Wellington this weekend, we want to encourage everyone to vote and have their voice heard.

“The Chamber’s questionnaire asked council and mayoral hopefuls about a range of topics that we know both the Wellington business community and general public are passionate about. Candidates answered questions about important issues such as infrastructure, rates, transport and their overall vision for the region.

“The Q&A’s can be read on our website as can the Chamber’s local government manifesto – which outlines what the businesses community believes the council should focus on in order to build a bigger, better Wellington.”

Voting papers are being mailed to registered voters today. People will start receiving their papers from the following day, with all papers expected to be delivered by Wednesday 21 September. The voting papers must be received by the council before midday on Election Day, 8 October 2016.

Questionnaire responses can be viewed on the Chamber’s website: www.wecc.org.nz/advocacy/local-government-elections-2016

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