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.

When we contacted candidates with our questions, we asked them to email a specific email address that all the ‘ista could access so that answers could be posted faster. This candidate didn’t use that email address. Hence the late posting. But thanks for the 8am call, campaign person.

Here’s Celia Wade Brown, running for mayor.

  1. What should be the city council’s role in helping homeless people and beggars?

Support, fund and liaise with DCM, Night-Shelter & Women’s Refuge etc to end homelessness by 2020. Provide supported pathways into social housing.

  1. What would you do to make Wellington more cycle and pedestrian friendly?

Slower speeds in the CBD. Take new safe cycle routes from the drawing-board and onto our roads and reserves. More pedestrian priority at traffic lights.

  1. How do you think traffic flow to the hospital and airport should be improved?

Stagger school starting hours. Bus lanes then rapid electric public transport. Every walker, cyclist and bus user frees space for those that need to drive.

  1. 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?

Wellington is far more. Our strengths include attitude; talented people; natural environment; smart new enterprises. Specialist strengths are film, IT, disaster resilience and urban ecology.

  1. What will YOU do to get more investment, businesses, and business confidence in Wellington?

Promote Wellington to locals and overseas as a progressive city that’s smart, welcoming and safe. Convene regular business forums with councilors and senior staff.

  1. What does Wellington need more of, and what does Wellington need less of?

More positivity, trees, te reo, laughter, high quality jobs, cycling, solar panels, innovation.

Less child poverty, cold damp homes, pollution, graffiti, and fewer red-light runners.

  1. What would your city council provide for children and young people?

Hope for the future. Action on climate change. Events for all ages like Artsplash and Homegrown. Fairer fares and keeping school pools going. Involvement locally.

  1. What steps would you take to encourage civic engagement?

Involving local communities in local projects. Meaningful civic engagement involves staff and councilors listening to our diverse communities, and taking shared responsibility for solutions.

  1. Tell us about your personal earthquake plan / What’s unusual about your earthquake kit?

As Mayor I’ve worked to reduce risk and prepare the city for an earthquake or tsunami. I will lead the city through an emergency.

  1. Why should we vote for you?

I stand for a progressive multicultural city that includes affordable housing and a healthy environment as well as good jobs and a Living Wage.

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