Andrew Little to run to Wellington City Hall

Currently, little is a consultant at a law firm in Wellington.
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

The former leader and minister of the Labor Party, Andrew Little, confirmed that he will run for the mayor of Wellington.

Little had been sought for the work to run for the party’s entry to the mayor – against the holder Tory Whanau, who is running with the endorsement of the Green Party.

Six other candidates, including Whanau, have already announced that they plan to run for the capital’s best job.

The other five consist of the current counselor Ray Chung, ex -counselor Rob Goulden, conservationist Kelvin Hastie, businessman Karl Tiefenbacher and Graham Bloxham of Wellington Live.

Little said that if he were elected, he would prioritize the fixation of pipes, making public transport cheaper, investing in parks, swimming pools and libraries and developing more houses.

He said the Wellingtonians did not vote for asset sales or closing community facilities.

“My focus as mayor will be getting the best for Wellington. It means being able to work constructively with the government in the interests of the city and means facing hive when necessary.”

Little – who is currently consultant with a law firm in Wellington – left parliament after defeat in the 2023 work elections after entering for the first time in 2011.

He fired for party leadership in 2014, but was only two months from the 2017 elections, paving the way for Jacinda Ardern, who became first -minister.

During his time in government, Little made 12 ministerial portfolios – the hardest of his mandate being the Minister of Health during the years of the COVID -19 response.

Tory Whanau, Whanau, plans to run for a second term.
Photo: RNZ / SAMUEL RILLSTONE

He received the role of Ardern after the 2020 election and was the minister who supervised seismic review of the sector, eliminating all 20 district health councils and replacing them with two new entities – Health New Zealand and the Maori Health Authority.

Other senior ministerial roles he considered included: Minister of Natural Treaties, Defense, Safety Intelligence, Justice and Immigration Service.

Whanau said earlier that having several candidates for the city was good for democracy. “I also respect Andrew Little from my time in parliament, especially when he walked away as the leader of the Labor Party.”

Little said he had presented his nomination seeking support from the Wellington Labor Party for his mayor campaign.

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