Nominations closed today at noon across New Zealand for the upcoming local government elections. The exciting news is there are five people standing for mayor of Lower Hutt, including the two-term incumbent Ray Wallace. It’s always good for democracy to have an election for key positions, so while I’m sure Ray will be re-elected – it’s good for the system that he is challenged.

In the Harbour Ward, the region I am standing, there are four other candidates who have put their hat in the ring, the two incumbent Councillors & two members of the community board. Only two people are chosen from each ward. If elected I would be happy to work alongside any of these candidates to give the Harbour regions of Lower Hutt great representation around the council table. It’s going to be an exciting battle over the coming weeks, and I wish them all the best for their campaigns.

Click here to see the full list of who is standing for which positions in the upcoming Hutt City Council elections.