WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Photo: Robert Capa’s iconic photo of US forces landing on Omaha Beach, Normandy, 6 June 1944

Better Wellington’s view, which has remained consistent, is that voters have the right to all information necessary about candidates who are running for election (and re-election) in this local government election. Why?

Because candidates’ views on particular matters influence decision-making around the council table, and it affects ratepayers’ incomes. If a candidate thinks the council should fund welfare projects, that is something that voters need to know. If a candidate wants to install more cycle lanes in the city, that is something voters need to know.

Wellington ratepayers have the absolute right to understand how these people intend to spend your money – approx $800 million in revenue each year – if they’re elected.

It is no secret that Labour Party candidates must sign a pledge to uphold Labour Party policies and principles in order to get the Labour Party nomination for local government. In the event of conflicting policies, those councillors will have to choose Labour Party policy over Wellington City. It’s that simple.

The main information about candidates is the 150-word bio in the voting handbook that is distributed to residents’ mailboxes. That is all that many people make a decision on.

Can you believe everything you hear or read from every candidate? Probably not.

When you read through the statements in the 2022 election booklet, there is a marked difference between what candidates wrote and how they voted when they get around the table.

We have seen over the last three years what ideological spend looks like.

This has led to a significant decline in public trust, and a lot of anger in Wellington city. That’s to be expected.

Last election, only 44 percent of eligible voters made the effort to vote. If it’s the same turnout this year, an overhaul of the system is required.

Over the course of this election campaign, Better Wellington will provide our analysis on candidates’ public statements and things they say on social media as well as in public fora to provide voters with additional information over and above what they will get in the 150-word sales pitch.  You can decide for yourselves whether you think particular people are right to represent our city or not.

Some of you might not like what we publish. We may raise issues that you feel uncomfortable with. Some might feel we’re being a bit harsh. But it will be the truth.

Welcome to Democracy!