We invited all candidates in Wellington electorates to contact us with their answers to fifteen crowdsourced questions. Answers are restricted to 30 words each, and we publish them exactly as we receive them. 

  1. Who are you and what do you want? 
    My name is Dr Sea Rotmann and I want NZ to be green and clean, with happy, healthy kids, safe rivers and seas and some long-term, big-picture thinking from politicians
  2. You have 30 seconds to convince someone to come to Wellington. What’s your pitch?
     It is the most gorgeous little jewel in the South Pacific, great people, lots of cool stuff to do and the most amazing environment all around it
  3. Where do you stand on the issue of opening up government data?
     I am all for it – transparency usually helps innovation and reduces rorts in the system
  4. Describe your bicycle, or your favourite bus route?
    It’s my ex-boss’s mountain bike in duck yellow and my bus route is the 30 Breaker Bay which starts right outside my house
  5. When did you last use the library, a community centre, or a council-run sports facility?
    Hmmm, too long ago!
  6. Would you welcome a central government driven “super-city” amalgamation of local authorities?
    I am not sure that Central Government understands Local Government issues well enough. Let’s see how Auckland goes.
  7. What city inspires your vision for Wellington? How?
     Berlin – it is the coolest and most eclectic; Havana for the rooftop gardens; my hometown Graz for its amazing old architecture that survived centuries
  8. Is the concept of democratic representation important to you? How so?
    Absolutely. Which is why it is so important to keep MMP this election, as it is by far the fairest and most democratic system of representation
  9. What achievement for Wellington are you most proud of?
    The film industry and the fact it turned into such a great, liveable, cool city. The marine reserve, as the South Coast is our taonga
  10. What role do you think central government should play in local roading/public transport issues?
    It needs to stop funding crazy roading projects and put money into public transport and maintenance – see Greens’ transport plan
  11. How can we make Wellington more environmentally friendly? Do NOT build the Basin flyover and 6-lane highway in Haitaitai!
    The council’s 2040 strategy outlines a smart, green city. Community gardens and better cycling/walking.
  12. What will you do to ensure diverse representation on government issues?
    Keep MMP and fix it up.
  13. What’s your personal history of living in Wellington?
    Moved here 8 years ago after falling in love the second I got off the plane when I came to ‘Return of the Kings’ premiere. Own my dream house on the beach.
  14. What policy of your party do you think will have the most impact on Wellington?
    The Greens will have the best impact, the Nats the worst, but if they win the majority it will be the most impact.
  15. Do you genuinely believe you have a chance at winning the seat you’re contesting, or is this more of a party campagin?
    It is a Party Vote campaign all the way, but I really enjoy campaigning in the Wairarapa – it’s a micro-cosm of ‘real’ New Zealand.