We’ve provided a set of questions for the mayoral and councillor candidates to answer. First 25 words to an answer get posted. Check our 2013 Election coverage for all responses as they come in.

Here’s Malcolm Aitken running in Onslow Western Ward. 

  1. What should be the city council’s role in helping homeless people and beggars? Ask homeless people about it. Allowing wet houses. Supporting living wage. Supporting familly violence and drug and alcohol services where possible.
  2. What would you do to make Wellington more cycle and pedestrian friendly? Parking strategy to reduce congestion. More cycle lanes and cycle stands. Encourage public discussion involving cyclists, motorists, walkers, talking together about each others’ concerns.
  3. How do you think traffic flow to the hospital and airport should be improved? Light rail can be revisited. May be much more affordable if it goes via Newtown to Kilbirnie and doesn’t require a second tunnel.
  4. What are your views on the suggestion Wellington needs to be “more than just Weta and Government” – what do you think are Wellington’s strengths? It is much more than those. Strengths include impressive local businesses, a natural environment and cityscape of startling beauty and creativity galore.
  5. What will YOU do to get more investment, businesses, and business confidence in Wellington? Make it much easier for business when they deal with council (one stop shop). Exempt low infrastructure suburban businesses from business rates.
  6. What does Wellington need more of, and what does Wellington need less of? More Councillors with original well-thought out ideas, more planning for the “big one”, less hostility to different viewpoints around council table.
  7. What would your city council provide for children and young people? Better housing standards via rental WOF. Safer modern parks that are better maintained. More child-friendly policies for council staff with children.
  8. What steps would you take to encourage civic engagement? Local Government Week with children being Mayor for a Day. Publicity to tell Wellingtonians what WCC does and how it works..
  9. Tell us about your personal earthquake plan / What’s unusual about your earthquake kit? Pretty standard.
  10. Why should we vote for you? My extensive knowledge of the local government sector, bundles of energy and ability to build consensus. I’ve canvassed residents’ opinions for months.
  11. Where can we find out more about what you stand for? http://www.vote..co.nz/malcolmaitken ,http://www.malcolmaitken.co.nz/.