Wellington Elects Ben McNulty as Deputy Mayor Under Andrew Little

Incoming Wellington Mayor Andrew Little has appointed Ben McNulty as his deputy mayor following a decisive victory in the Wellington City elections earlier this month. Little, representing the Labour Party, secured his position in a landslide win, reflecting strong support from the electorate.

McNulty, who serves as a councillor for the Takapū/Northern Ward, is also aligned with Little’s Labour ticket. The new council will be officially sworn in during a ceremony on October 12, 2023, at Pipitea Marae. At this event, Liz Kelly and Holden Hohaia are expected to be appointed as pouiwi, or mana whenua representatives, on the council.

Little’s campaign was marked by a focus on responsible financial management within the council, emphasizing transparency and the importance of public services. He committed to maintaining strict oversight of council spending while prioritizing investment in essential community resources, such as swimming pools and libraries.

The Labour Party’s performance was particularly strong across the city, with candidates running in every ward except for Wharangi/Onslow-Western. There, Independent Together candidate Ray Chung narrowly defeated Labour’s Joy Gribben by just 45 votes.

In his platform, Little outlined several key initiatives aimed at improving the city’s livability. He aims to accelerate housing development to enhance affordability, ensure public transport becomes both cheaper and more reliable, and bolster support for small businesses. Additionally, he pledged to revitalize Wellington’s economy, fix aging infrastructure, and take proactive measures regarding climate change.

Little’s commitment to honoring the Treaty of Waitangi is also a central theme of his administration. He aims to foster a collaborative relationship with Māori communities, ensuring their voices are included in governance and decision-making processes.

As Wellington prepares for this new chapter, the appointment of McNulty as deputy mayor signals a continuing commitment to Labour’s vision for the city, emphasizing community welfare and sustainable growth. The transition to the new council represents an opportunity for renewed focus on addressing the challenges facing the capital and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.