Democracy Week
It’s Local Body Elections time! That might sound boring af but these elections decide how our city looks, feels and exists in the future; alongside how our public transport is run, what events happen, our housing and much, much more.
This September 1-5, join us on campus for debates & events to get you in the mood for democracy.
Tuesday 2nd September
Lambton Ward Debate – 12pm, The Hub
From the depths of Highbury to the tip of the Interislander terminal, the Lambton Ward covers most of the student areas around Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Come along to listen to your election candidates fight it out. Featuring: Afnan Al-Rubayee, Geordie Rogers, Tony De Lorenzo, Teal Mau, Nicola Young, Dan Milward, David Lee, Tim Ward and Rodney Barber.
ICW x VUWSA: Lambton Ward Speed Dating – 6pm, St Peter’s on Willis St
Meet the Lambton Ward candidates speed-dating style. We have 11 candidates who want to ‘make a difference’ - who are they? and can they? Come and meet them, ask them about their plans, and see what you think.
Wednesday 3rd September
Handcrafted Market and Food Trucks – 11am, The Hub
Mayoral Debate – 12pm, The Hub
Join us for the hot ticket election event of the year. Seven of Te Whanganui-a-Tara's mayoral candidates for 2025 will fight it out on stage for you. Featuring Alex Baker, Ray Chung, Andrew Little, Karl Tiefenbacher, Kelvin Hastie, Rob Goulden & Diane Calvert.
Ngāi Tauira presents: Māori Ward Wānanga – 2.30pm, Ngā Mokopuna
Listen to the candidates for the Te Whanganui-a-Tara Ward have a kōrero and a debate at Ngā Mokopuna! Featuring Tory Whanau, Matthew Reweti and Te Paea Paringatai.
Thursday 4th September
Greater Wellington Regional Council Debate – 12pm The Hub
The Greater Wellington Regional Council keeps an eye on all things from Lyall Bay to Masterton. Buses, trains, water and parks; these folk keep these things running. Come listen to them debate for their chance to win your vote. Featuring Daran Ponter, Tom James, Sarah Free, Henry Peach & Thomas Kay (with others TBC).
Friday 5th September
Southern Ward Debate – 12pm, The Hub
Living between Owhiro Bay and Mount Cook? Come and see your Southern Ward nominees fight for your vote. Featuring Nureddin Abdurahman, Laurie Foon, Paula Muollo (others TBC).
Youth Wing Debate – 3pm, The Hub
You've heard the ward and mayoral candidates debate it out, now it's ur turn. The youth wings of the local pols parties bring the noise for a debate for students, by students. (Guests TBC)