Tawa resident Andrea Compton will run as an independent candidate for Wellington City Council in this year’s local government election.
A chartered accountant with two decades of experience in high-profile infrastructure projects both in New Zealand and overseas, Andrea says the current state of our city and its growing unaffordability compelled her to “stand up and say enough is enough.”
Andrea Compton from Tawa will run for council in the Northern Ward
A born-and-bred Wellington, Andrea has considerable doubts over the council’s plans for the so-called Golden Mile, and in October last year organised a street corner protest meeting over the flawed project. As a result of that, Better Wellington ran a petition that attracted over five thousand signatures.
Andrea latest announcement is printed below in full:
By now, many of you will know my intention to run for the Wellington City Council in the Northern Ward in the upcoming 2025 Election.
As a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years experience in construction and infrastructure, including eight years at Transpower and more recently as Finance Manager for HEB Construction, I believe I can bring a fiscally prudent approach to governance at Wellington city, something it has been missing, in my opinion, for some years.
The current state of our city and its growing unaffordability has compelled me to stand up and say enough is enough.
A born and bred Wellingtonian, I’ve lived my life in the Northern Suburbs, initially in Khandallah, but also Ohariu Valley, Churton Park, Newlands and now Tawa.
When I opened my most recent rates bill, like most of you, I was shocked, and want to be part of a positive change. Over the last few months I have spoken with many Wellingtonians about their concerns, these include the elderly as well as businesses and families. I have also formed strong relationships with some of the current councillors such are Northern Ward representative Tony Randle and Mayoral Candidate Ray Chung. I share many of the same goals and aspirations they have for the city.
In October last year, I hosted a street gathering to raise awareness of issues around the Golden Mile. The benefits do not stack up, and the costs of construction are not justified. From my experience, the moment you begin digging up ground, expect the unexpected. The disruption to businesses is the last thing they need or want, and the removal of key bus stops is a major concern.
I am deeply concerned for our elderly, with the prediction being the current rates trajectory will mean many will be forced out of their homes, their communities. This is not right, and is not the Kiwi way. We must keep Wellington affordable. (Amen to that – Editor!)
Before any grand plans for Wellington are made, the city needs to ensure its foundations are strong. This means our priority must be the water pipes and the necessary infrastructure.
We must invest in the pipes and ensure there is a coordinated approach between all below ground services, roading and street lighting. We must invest in an Asset Management system that is owned by the Council, and not third party providers. Leaking pipes are undermining our foundations and must be rectified at pace. Let’s enable this to happen.
I look forward to running for council and contributing my experience and services to the future of the city. Like many residents, I feel our council has lost its way.
I have never been involved in politics (locally or centrally), and have never been a member of any political party, so I will be standing as an independent. In my opinion, party politics doesn’t belong around the council table. Our city must come first.
I am keen to meet residents, community groups and businesses to discuss your concerns and ideas on how to improve our city. Please get in contact and we can arrange a suitable opportunity.
Andrea
The next chapter of the city soap opera – The Post commentary