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 Gordon Copeland and I am the Conservative Candidate for Hutt South. I am married to Anne and we have 5 adult children. I was a Member of …
  2. You have 30 seconds to convince someone to come to Wellington. What’s your pitch?
    My vision is for New Zealand to become a great nation based on good values. I’m a conservative because I believe that time tested, evidence based values are the foundation …
  3. Where do you stand on the issue of opening up government data?
    I believe that, except in matters of national security or those before the courts, all government information should be open to the public.
  4. Describe your bicycle, or your favourite bus route?
    I take the bus every day from Miramar to the railway station so I guess is has to rank as my favourite, especially the Miramar Heights route with its spectacular …
  5. When did you last use the library, a community centre, or a council-run sports facility?
    My wife uses the library constantly – at the Miramar and Kilbirnie and Central branches – and keeps me supplied with some great reading.
  6. Would you welcome a central government driven “super-city” amalgamation of local authorities?
    Only if amalgamation was what the people of the greater Wellington region voted for in a referendum. Binding referenda are a central plank for the Conservative Party.
  7. What city inspires your vision for Wellington? How?
    For me Wellington is a uniquely beautiful and energising city without peer and is a visionary leader, not a follower.
  8. Is the concept of democratic representation important to you? How so?
    Very. I am dismayed that successive governments have undermined our democracy by refusing to implement the majority view as expressed through referenda. The voice of the people is paramount; hence …
  9. What achievement for Wellington are you most proud of?
    Successfully persuading the Council that the ballot papers for our STV local body elections should list the candidates randomly. The first election using the STV system was a debacle, with …
  10. What role do you think central government should play in local roading/public transport issues?
    The lead role in relation to state highways and “main trunk” railways, into and through cities and a partnership role (with councils), in relation to local roads and railways.
  11. How can we make Wellington more environmentally friendly?
    I would start with the small things in adopting a “clean” vision in respect of our road frontages, streets, gardens and parks coupled with the protection of our birds and …
  12. What will you do to ensure diverse representation on government issues?
    The Conservative Party is willing to work with whoever the people chose, in the formation of a government .We support MMP.
  13. What’s your personal history of living in Wellington?
    Although born in Nelson I have made Wellington my home since 1962. Throughout that time I have worked in the City, but lived for 22 year in Lower Hutt. I …
  14. What policy of your party do you think will have the most impact on Wellington?
    Raising the drinking age, abolishing the Emission Trading Scheme, removing the ban on smacking, keeping our assets, addressing family breakdown, restitution for the victims of crime and fairer taxes.
  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’m targeting both but, since Colin Craig, leader of the Conservative Party will, according to the polls, win Rodney a Party Vote for the Conservatives will bring additional MPs into …