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 am Grant Robertson, and I want your vote to continue to be MP for Wellington Central and your party vote for Labour on November 26th .
  2. You have 30 seconds to convince someone to come to Wellington. What’s your pitch?
    Sunday morning, you’re having the best coffee ever on Cuba St when the guy from Mighty Mighty last night walks by and says dinner at Logan Brown is on him
  3. Where do you stand on the issue of opening up government data?
    Got to happen.
  4. Describe your bicycle, or your favourite bus route
    Loving the 13 because it’s the most direct to work in the morning, and the 23 because it means I am on the way home.
  5. When did you last use the library, a community centre, or a council-run sports facility?
    Visited Karori Community Centre a couple of weeks ago to say hi to the folks who run the foodbank.
  6. Would you welcome a central government driven “super-city” amalgamation of local authorities?
    Hell, no. If there is to be any change it has to be driven by the people of the region.
  7. What city inspires your vision for Wellington? How?
    Cliched, but Melbourne or San Francisco. Eclectic, spirited, great green space, thriving creative, arts, music scenes, trams, and generally great vibe.
  8. Is the concept of democratic representation important to you? How so?
    For sure. Because its how we make our country work
  9. What achievement for Wellington are you most proud of?
    Helping make Wellington a Fair Trade City. I have been on the Steering Group since 2007, and it was great to be part of something really positive for the city.
  10. What role do you think central government should play in local roading/public transport issues?
    We need some centralised transport planning to make best use of resources, but need to change the funding formula so that central government funds a greater percentage of public transport.
  11. How can we make Wellington more environmentally friendly?
    Support Option X for the Basin Reserve development.
  12. What will you do to ensure diverse representation on government issues?
    Keep listening to and talking with a wide range of Wellingtonians. This term I set up a Youth Advisory Group, would be good to have a couple of others this…
  13. What’s your personal history of living in Wellington?
    Arrived end of 1994- Thorndon, then The Terrace, then Wadestown, then Thorndon again, then overseas, then back to Thorndon and then to Wilton, where we’ve been for 8 years.
  14. What policy of your party do you think will have the most impact on Wellington?
    Not selling state assets. It matters to all of us, because once they are gone, they will be tough to get back.
  15. Do you genuinely believe you have a chance at winning the seat you’re contesting, or is this more of a party campaign?
    In to retain the seat, and get the party vote for Labour.