Elections 101: Think Council can’t make change?

Councillors represent wards in the city, so the work they do matters to you and your home. 

We’ve put together a list of projects that have happened in our communities that may inspire you to vote for someone who aligns with your values. 

Motukairangi/Eastern General Ward

• The Cobham Drive project, and others under way around the city, are making it possible for more people to get to places in low carbon ways. People of all ages can now regularly be seen strolling, jogging, skating, riding, wheeling, scooting, fishing, sitting and generally enjoying the new paths and improvements that have been made to this once neglected end of the harbour.
• Moa Point Dog shelter has had an upgrade to make life better for pups and people. This includes new security systems, new cages, self-contained kennels, a plumbing refurbishment, and improved security cameras.
• A recommendation for funding for a Destination Skate Park in the capital was unanimously approved by Wellington City Council. This funding will go towards the development of a large regional skate facility with Kilbirnie Park. 

Pukehīnau/Lambton General Ward

• The Wellington Community Pools team started 'Out in the Pool Party' sessions for all queer, transgender, gender diverse and non-binary folks at Thorndon Pool.  These sessions are now monthly sessions held on the first Sunday of every month at Keith Spry Pool, and provide the LGBTQI+ community a safe and welcoming environment to swim.
• The Farmers Lane upgrade includes newly completed road design work, improved lighting, additional seating and planted elements. Farmers Lane connects Lambton Quay to The Terrace and is currently used by between 700 to 800 people per day. 
• Many Wellingtonians are feeling the strain of rising house prices and rents, so we created more affordable apartments for Pōneke’s essential workers with our Te Kāinga programme.

Takapū/Northern General Ward

• The upgrade at Pukehuia Park, formerly Newlands Park, has been completed with two new play areas, a Ki-O-Rahi pitch, a basketball half-court, a boardwalk, a revamped skate area and a pump track.
• Keith Spry Pool had an upgrade, which included strengthening the building, replacing the skylights and installing a new acoustic ceiling – plus a lick of paint to brighten things up.

Wharangi/Onslow-Western General Ward

• Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Visitor Centre has had a refresh and was gifted a new name from mana whenua, Tāne Whakapiripiri. The new interior has been thoughtfully designed to tell the stories of Ōtari from both tangata whenua and tangata tiriti perspectives. Stories of the forest and gardens are told in new and old ways, across different mediums from ancient whakataukī to interactive digital displays.
• We are strengthening and stabilising the Ngaio Gorge slip to make this key transport route stronger and more resilient. 
• Construction has started on the Karori Town Centre. The upgrade includes comfortable sheltered space for the public to enjoy, an upgrade to the lighting, more planting, and greater accessibility for moving around the space.

Paekawakawa/Southern General Ward

• Shorland Park has had an upgrade, with the popular but aging play area now having integrated active, imaginative and cognitive play opportunities, a variety of play experiences, many of which are specifically designed for different age groups and better accessibility. These include new swings, a new slide, a flying fox, and a ship structure.
• Work has begun on developing the Newtown Community & Cultural Centre to make it a vibrant space for the Newtown community.