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 Chris Hipkins and I want you to vote for me so that I can continue to be MP for Rimutaka and want you to give your party vote to …
  2. You have 30 seconds to convince someone to come to Wellington. What’s your pitch?
    Forget the city, come out to the Hutt Valley where it’s all happening. Green hills, great river, nice shops, friendly people.
  3. Where do you stand on the issue of opening up government data?
    Government data should be openly available. Open government is accountable government.
  4. Describe your bicycle, or your favourite bus route?
    I’ve got a Giant mountain bike and a Scott road bike, and ride both regularly.
  5. When did you last use the library, a community centre, or a council-run sports facility?
    I was at the Hapai Club community hall last week. Trentham Memorial Park is a regular visiting place.
  6. Would you welcome a central government driven “super-city” amalgamation of local authorities?
    No. Any change should be driven from the grassroots up.
  7. What city inspires your vision for Wellington? How?
    Wellington does. It’s unique, but we shouldn’t pretend Wellington is just the CBD.
  8. Is the concept of democratic representation important to you? How so?
    Yes. No one will ever get all they want all the time. Democracy is how we balance competing interests for the collective good.
  9. What achievement for Wellington are you most proud of?
    The major upgrade of the rail network, started by the last Labour govt and still continuing. The best public transport in NZ.
  10. What role do you think central government should play in local roading/public transport issues?
    A big one.
  11. How can we make Wellington more environmentally friendly?
    Keep improving public transport, waste less water, and send less refuse to the landfill.
  12. What will you do to ensure diverse representation on government issues?
    Keep in touch with the local community and support local groups who want to make submissions or be heard.
  13. What’s your personal history of living in Wellington?
    Grew up in the Hutt Valley, lived in the CBD for a few years, now live in Trentham.
  14. What policy of your party do you think will have the most impact on Wellington?
    More support for families struggling to make ends meet (eg. Min Wage increase, tax-free zone, etc).
  15. Do you genuinely believe you have a chance at winning the seat you’re contesting, or is this more of a party campaign?
    I hold the seat now, and I hope to keep it. But the party vote is the one that determines the government.