In a time of climate transition we need our regional leadership to be coordinated, effective and focused on the public good. That’s my commitment to you.
Designing our city for people and offering more ways to get around are two of the most important things we can do for the climate. Happily, these changes will also make life better and more enjoyable.
I want to accelerate Wellington’s transport and urban development projects, with modern light rail through the city and a new fleet of trains for our rail network. At the same time we can make improvements right now. That means bus priority lanes; cheaper fares; more frequent services; a workforce strategy for drivers; more electric buses and high quality, accessible stations.
Let’s clean up Wellington’s urban streams, bring back thriving coastal areas and restore our native forests and wetlands. In all of this we should be guided by Mātauranga and work harder to build meaningful partnerships with mana whenua around the region.
Addressing Wellington’s major infrastructure deficit means we need to build a wider revenue base alongside rates and I have a track record of doing this. The Council's new Low-Carbon Acceleration Fund has brought $13m to the table for climate action and restoration of native ecosystems. I worked hard to get the council’s Jobs for Nature projects funded and I’ve advocated strongly for the investment we need in our public transport system.
With your support I will help shape a Regional Council with climate, nature and community at the heart of all its work.