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 Arie Ketel for the Onslow-Western Ward.

1. What should be the city council’s role in helping homeless people and beggars?
Care for the genuinely homeless, build strong communities/families to tackle the root causes of homelessness.

2. What would you do to make Wellington more cycle and pedestrian friendly?
Restrict private vehicle access in the CBD. Invest in suburban cycleways away from roads like the Dutch have done.

3. How do you think traffic flow to the hospital and airport should be improved?
Seek an alternative route from north of the city to airport, thereby easing inner-city congestion. Invest in sensible public transport.

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?
Innovation, clever thinkers, entrepreneurs up for taking risks. Weta started in little more than a garage, let’s create more success stories like that.

5. What will YOU do to get more investment, businesses, and business confidence in Wellington?
Set the conditions so businesses want to base themselves here, fill the place with innovators.

6. What does Wellington need more of, and what does Wellington need less of?
More: Positive, forward thinking and planning: Vision. Less: Selfishness, greed and cynicism.

7. What would your city council provide for children and young people?
Stronger families and communities: more quality time with parents/siblings, appropriate facilities in their neighbourhoods. Rich and rewarding childhoods.

8. What steps would you take to encourage civic engagement?
Live streaming of council meetings (where appropriate), push for a WCC mayoral office in The Beehive, monthly BBQ in civic square.

9. Tell us about your personal earthquake plan / What’s unusual about your earthquake kit?
Since the July shakes I sleep with a hammer, torch and robust shoes under the bed — and a sack of dog food for our two…

10. Why should we vote for you?
I’m an ordinary bloke — they called for fresh blood in the council. Here it is.

11. Where can we find out more about what you stand for?