Andrew Little Appoints Ben McNulty as Wellington’s Deputy Mayor

Andrew Little, the newly elected mayor of Wellington, has appointed Ben McNulty as his deputy. This announcement follows Little’s decisive victory in the Wellington City election held earlier in October, where he represented the Labour Party. McNulty, who has served as a councillor for the Takapū/Northern Ward, is also affiliated with Little’s Labour ticket.

The new council will be officially sworn in during a ceremony at Pipitea Marae on October 12, 2023. During this event, Liz Kelly and Holden Hohaia are expected to be appointed as pouiwi, or mana whenua representatives, adding a significant cultural element to the council’s composition.

Little’s campaign focused on several key issues, including fiscal responsibility, transparency within the council, and investment in public amenities such as pools and libraries. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public assets while making the city more affordable. His plans include accelerating housing development and enhancing public transport services to make them cheaper and more reliable. Additionally, he aims to support small businesses and revitalize Wellington’s economy.

The Labour Party achieved notable success in the recent elections, securing a candidate in every ward except for Wharangi/Onslow-Western. In that ward, Independent Together candidate Ray Chung narrowly defeated Labour’s Joy Gribben by just 45 votes.

Among his pledges, Little has committed to addressing critical infrastructure issues, including repairing aging pipes, taking decisive action on climate change, and honoring the Treaty of Waitangi. His approach reflects a comprehensive plan aimed at fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for Wellington.

As the new administration prepares to take office, the focus will be on implementing these initiatives and addressing the needs of the community. The appointment of McNulty as deputy mayor signals a collaborative leadership style, as the pair work together to advance their shared vision for the capital.