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?
    I’m Holly, I’m from the Hutt, and I want a clean green economy that works for everyone. I also want to see more women in Parliament. And on bicycles.
  2. You have 30 seconds to convince someone to come to Wellington. What’s your pitch?
    Wellington – it’s close to the Hutt!
  3. Where do you stand on the issue of opening up government data?
    All for it!
  4. Describe your bicycle, or your favourite bus route
    My bicycle is called Prudence. She is pale green, with a step-through frame and soft leather handlebars. I love her.
  5. When did you last use the library, a community centre, or a council-run sports facility?
    I make weekly trips to the Petone library to get out new recipe books and trashy detective novels.
  6. Would you welcome a central government driven “super-city” amalgamation of local authorities?
    No.
  7. What city inspires your vision for Wellington? How?
    Portland, Oregon. America’s greenest city, with a super-efficient public transport system, great cycling infrastructure, and funny comedians! We’ve got the comedians, now let’s tick off the others
  8. Is the concept of democratic representation important to you? How so?
    Very. The House of Representatives should be truly representative. MMP puts more women, Maori, rainbows, and ethnic minorities in Parliament, and means every vote counts. I’m voting to keep it.
  9. What achievement for Wellington are you most proud of?
    Electing the country’s first green Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown.
  10. What role do you think central government should play in local roading/public transport issues?
    Provide national vision and direction, integrate planning between regions, and stump up with its fair share for local projects that have national benefits – like light rail in Wellington.
  11. How can we make Wellington more environmentally friendly?
    Where to start? Smart public transport, better cycling infrastructure, cleaning up waterways, subsidies for rainwater tanks, more home insulation… The Greens have robust policies to advance all these goals.
  12. What will you do to ensure diverse representation on government issues?
    Diversity is very important to the Greens. Our party list is balanced by gender, ethnicity, region, and sexual orientation. We’re committed to diverse perspectives because they lead to better decision-making.
  13. What’s your personal history of living in Wellington?
    I was born and raised in Lower Hutt, and now live in Petone. In between stints studying in Dunedin and Oxford, I’ve lived in Taita, Newtown, Boulcott, and Island Bay.
  14. What policy of your party do you think will have the most impact on Wellington?
    Wellington’s public transport is good by New Zealand standards, but poor by world standards. We’re launching our plan for integrated, efficient public transport in Wellington soon, so watch this space!
  15. Do you genuinely believe you have a chance at winning the seat you’re contesting, or is this more of a party campaign?
    At number 12 on the list, there’s a real chance I’ll be elected. I’m asking people to vote for whoever best represents them in their electorate, and party vote Green!