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

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

Wow, a capital city with the heart of a village. Waterfront vistas, green hills, amazing: coffee, food, art and culture!

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

Improve road maintenance management. Reduce bottle necks. Reduce parking along primary corridors. Provide dedicated public transport corridors. Reduce vehicle numbers.

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

I support open transparent government. I collected and published tax information. But our Council prefers to close its doors?

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

Not charging for it. Will all recycling bags be free or just the first 40 under Council’s proposed recycling initiatives?

5. What is your policy on street alcoholics?

The measure of a city is how well it treats those less fortunate Unfortunately, Council has let us down.

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

Yes. But it needs to be mixed with public transport. Not everyone can walk long distances.

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

Central harbour city market. Brought some “blue nose” (a great fish) from the boat moored nearby – its hard to get.

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

Mongoose. In pieces and without wheels. I stripped it down completely to clean thoroughly and someone stole both my wheels.

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

Every weekend, to avoid the dvd fines. My son loves Zac Power books and TMNT (and Star Wars) dvds.

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

Fortunately we can watch how Auckland goes first, before making any rash calls we might later regret.

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

Yes. But that need not always be delivery. There are lots of free services. I’m using WordPress (eg,
http://greeningwellingtoncity.wordpress.com).

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

No meters. No charging. So that means no privatisation. Some candidates are silent on meters. We need to increase supply.

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

Each city has a strength based on its history and geography. We are compact and surrounded by water and hills.

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

Yes. People deserve to be heard and consulted. Something this council has forgotten (eg, Manners Mall, Variation 11).

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

The UK has these. I’m all for fostering a community spirit – and community gardens can help that.