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.

NB: Alex went over the 30-word limit a few times. We’re pretty strict about the limit, so those answers have been truncated after 30 words.

  1. Who are you and what do you want?
    I’m Alex. I was born in Australia to Kiwi parents and have returned home. I want to stay here, but things have got to change. I also want League to…
  2. You have 30 seconds to convince someone to come to Wellington. What’s your pitch?
    Wellington rocks! It is easy to get around and is the only city in New Zealand where you can experience true urban culture. We have world class museums, great coffee…
  3. Where do you stand on the issue of opening up government data?
    Provided it doesn’t compromise national security, I am for it. People have a right to access government info. The power comes from the people after all!
  4. Describe your bicycle, or your favourite bus route?
    Nothing beats the 83 Valley Flyer heading from Petone into Wellington early in the morning on a nice day. Seeing the early morning sun shine across the harbour, with the…
  5. When did you last use the library, a community centre, or a council-run sports facility?
    On Wednesday for a Meet the Candidates forum at Belmont Memorial Hall out here in the Hutt.
  6. Would you welcome a central government driven “super-city” amalgamation of local authorities?
    Wellington is not one urban sprawl like Auckland. Also, we are nowhere near as big so I don’t believe it’s necessary.
  7. What city inspires your vision for Wellington? How?
    Being born in Sydney, it really hurts me to say this but it would be Melbourne. Melbourne has a fantastic cultural scene, a nightlife which depends a lot more on…
  8. Is the concept of democratic representation important to you? How so?
    It’s of the utmost importance. Labour and National make up 75% of the party vote at most elections and before MMP it was only them being represented. Since 1996, we…
  9. What achievement for Wellington are you most proud of?
    I thought we were the best host city of the Rugby World Cup! The way the city hosted travelling rugby fans was brilliant and the compactness of this city made…
  10. What role do you think central government should play in local roading/public transport issues?
    I think that local government is far better placed to make decisions regarding local roading and public transport than central government, as local knowledge is the key to sound decision…
  11. How can we make Wellington more environmentally friendly?
    I don’t like riding my bike around the Hutt because the infrastrucure is useless and I don’t feel particularly safe doing it. I am sure there are many more like…
  12. What will you do to ensure diverse representation on government issues?
    Vote to keep MMP. The numbers of Women, Maori, Pacific, Asian and Gay MPs have all increased signficantly since 1996 and New Zealand has been the winner.
  13. What’s your personal history of living in Wellington?
    I moved here to study at Vic in 2008. I started out in Wellington Central and Kelburn before coming out to Maungaraki in early 2009.
  14. What policy of your party do you think will have the most impact on Wellington?
    I think our economic policy is the most important thing. Especially the Regulatory Standards Bill which will make it much easier to do business not only in Wellington but the…
  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’ll be brutally honest here. I have absolutely no hope of winning Hutt South. Trevor, Paul and Holly are all lovely people and would make great local MPs, so voters…