We offered to publish the answers from any candidates in the local body elections and John Bishop who is standing in Lambton Ward has stepped up.

1. You have 30 seconds to convince someone to come to Wellington. What’s your pitch?

A raft of wonderful entertainment and recreation in a compact city – good for mind, body and soul

2. How do you think traffic flow to the hospital and airport could be improved?

Wider roads, more buses and more space for cyclists. Perhaps light rail too depending on cost

3. Where do you stand on the issue of opening up government data?

Shine the light.

4. What plans have do you have to improve recycling/composting facilities?

Lids on bins to reduce rubbish blowing about. Support council’s new plan for kerbside sorting

5. What is your policy on street alcoholics?

Wet houses wherever we can sensibly put them. More treatment facilities.

6. Do you support pedestrianisation of the Golden Mile? Why/Why not?

Not if that means no buses, service vehicles or taxis. Sick and old people still need access by car.

7. What’s the last local market you went to? What did you buy?

Blenheim and chestnuts. Hill Street and fish

8. Describe your bicycle, or your favourite bus route?

Courtenay Place to Island Bay. I don’t cycle, but I support others doing that.

9. When did you last use the library, a community centre, or a council-run sports facility?

Last week

10. Would you welcome a central government driven "super-city" amalgamation of local authorities?  If not, why not?

No to any centrally driven plan. Support more regional co- operation by sector. Why not regional management of sports grounds.

11. Do you think the council has a role in fostering community websites? If so, how? 

Yes as part of a free broadband plan for the city

12. Where do you stand on water privatisation, and why?

No sale of community assets. I have signed the PSA pledge on that.

13. What city overseas inspires your vision for Wellington? How?

Melbourne for its spacious layout, gardens, and sports facilities. New York for vibrancy and diversity.

San Antonio for unique charm

14. Is the concept of democratic representation important to you?  How so?

Of course. Elected representatives must make the important decisions, because they, not officials, are politically accountable.

15. What do you think about community gardens on public land?

It might work, depending on where and how it is done.