October 6, 2025 • 18 mins
Four Hutt City Mayoral candidates joined Nick Mills, to pitch their case for the mayoralty. Brady Dyer, Prabha Ravi, Karen Morgan and Ken Laban answered Nick's rapid fire questions in a quick four minute format.
They spoke on what makes them the best for the top job, how they would cope with opposing councillors, their priorities if they got in and if they support a Wellington/Hutt City/Upper Hutt/Porirua council amalgamation.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
You're listening to the Wellington Mornings podcast with Nick Mills
from News Talks at b It's.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Local body election day on Saturday, and one of the
most interesting mayoral races in the region is who's going
to replace Campbell Barry as mayor of Hutt City. So
we thought that we spend the last part of our
show hearing from the four people who are in line
to replace them. We're going to do quick fire interview
each with the four candidates between now and midday. We
(00:36):
have each candidate on the line for four minutes, and
I've got to emphasize that four minutes. I have a
list of questions are the same questions. We're being fair
and the length of their answers will dictate on how
many questions we'll get through with each of them. The
clock will start ticking when there's ten seconds to go.
(00:57):
Yesterday we drew the names out of a hand, not
a hat, a hand to decide the order. First up
is two to two. Counselor Brady Dwyer Morning, Brady, Morning, Mack.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
How are you doing.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
I'm doing great. How are you doing? Are you nervous?
Speaker 4 (01:13):
Yeah, no, really nervous. Now I'm excited It's been a
really fun campaign. I've really enjoyed getting out there touring
because people, yeah, looking forward to the result on Saturday afternoon.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
All right, the clock starting. Now. Why are you the
best candidate to be the new mayor of Hut City?
Speaker 5 (01:29):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (01:30):
Look, I bring experience, leadership, I've had six years on
the council now in two decades running several businesses, passionate,
I'm future focused, and I bring a proven track record
of bringing people together and getting things done. For me,
it's not just about showing up now during the election period.
I've been doing the MAHI for years, turning up, listening
and delivering for our community.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
What's the most important issue for Hut residents that you'll
be your main priority work on.
Speaker 4 (01:55):
Will be Yeah, Like I've got three priorities this campaign.
The first one is doing the basics better. So this
is delivering great core services better, prioritizing our spending and
making sure we get the fundamentals right. One for me
is boosting our local heart businesses. There's a business owner myself,
I know that we need to back our local industries,
support innovation, keep jobs here so that the heart can
keep punching above its weight. And the third one for
(02:18):
me is building stronger communities, to supporting projects that give
us vibrant, connected communities and ensuring that people are part
of every decision that we make.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
What's your number one policy when you enter the office
as are absolute, non negotiable.
Speaker 4 (02:32):
Yeah, well, looking at the rates increases that are projected
over the next few years. That the thing. The number
one thing for me is looking at core services and
making sure that they're running as effectively as possible so
every rate payers dollars are delivering really real value. People
don't mind paying rates, but they mind when it's wasted.
So alongsidees the reviewing the budget, I also want to
launch an open public dashboard showing people exactly where their
(02:54):
rate payers money is going and tracking that against key projects.
But at the same time we also need to be
rebuilding trust between council and the community so people feel informed,
included and sort of part of.
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Every day decision.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
And I'm really looking forward to fronting up with that.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
If you couldn't vote for yourself, who would you vote for?
Speaker 1 (03:13):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (03:13):
Look at big Karen Morgan for one simple reason her
council experience. She's just finishing her first term on Council,
and I think it's fundamental that the next mayor of
Lower Heart has had that recent experience on the council
before jumping into the big seat.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
What's the one way that you're unsure rate rises will
be kept at a minimum.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
Alec, This one is about looking at how we can
be more effective and delivering smarter. We're already leading away
nationally and we've already won some awards at the Council
for our use of AI and we're only just dipping
our toes in and we're already seeing some huge wins
for ratepayers and efficiency gains. The other part of the
equation is using our debt responsibly so that we spread
(03:53):
the cost for big projects fairly across all generations that
will benefit from that investment.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
How do you plan to work with the council? It
might have actually members with opposing views to your own.
Speaker 4 (04:05):
Yeah, I'm most excited for is actually building a team
with the colleagues that our city puts their trust in.
On Saturday at noon, I'll be sitting down with each
of them one on one from nine am Monday morning
and really looking forward to sort of building a team
with the parts that we've got there.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
You've got one minute before your time runs out to
tell us your closing statement.
Speaker 4 (04:27):
Oh look, it's been a pleasure to serve as a
city councilor for the last six years and on the
Potni Community Board for three years prior to that. So
with nine years on the Hut City Council. Look, I've
done the apprenticeship. I'm ready to hit the ground running
as our city goes through some really exciting periods of change.
We've got huge, transformable, transformational projects like Rivelink about to
(04:48):
kick off imminently, and I'm really excited to be part
of the team delivering those in creating a city that
future generations will thank us for. If your voting papers
are still sitting neglected on your dining table, please rip
them open vote Brady dyaph Mayor and get them into
a ballot box before midday on Saturday.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
It did well with you, You did well with your timing, Brad. Now, Brady,
I've got one final yes or no question, right, do
you support the amalgamation of Wellington Paru Hut Napphat I support?
Speaker 4 (05:17):
I was having the conversation. I don't know full super
city Auckland style is where we need to go, but
definitely up to the conversation. In my personal opinion, something
in the Hut Valley, Upper Hut, Lolla Hut probably does
make a strong hour.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Supposed to be a yes or no Brady, Yes, thank you,
appreciate your time. Yeah, best of luck. By the way.
Next up we have local dance school operator Parbara Ravi.
Good morning, Praba, Good morning man. Are you set to go?
Are you ready?
Speaker 3 (05:49):
Yes, it's really great to be here. I actually listened
to your show all the time when driving around, so
it's nice to be part of the conversation today.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Great. By the way, I can't vote in Lahat. I
just wanted to put that out there. Your four minutes
start now. Why I use the best candidate to be
the new mayor of Hut City.
Speaker 6 (06:08):
Nick.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
I'm fiercely independent. I bring fresh people, felt this leadership
to the Hut. With over twenty years in governance, business,
community and arts. I'll bring new thinking, practical solutions, and
leadership that really listens acts and jelibus. My goal is
actually simple, smarter spending and real value for your money.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
What's the most important issue for Hut residency. You'll be
your priority to work on affordability.
Speaker 3 (06:37):
Make everything is gonna rates, parking, even daily living. My
top priority is smarter spending, stop the waste, fix the basics, lords,
pieps rubbish and make living in the hut affordable. Agains
for our families and small businesses by removing the barriers
for those businesses and bring the motive back to the city.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
What's your number one policy that you'll enter office as
a non negotiable smarter spending.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
That's a non negotiable oil commission, an independent financial review,
stop unnecessary outsourcing or wasteful spending, and make sure council
delivers services efficiently and on time. We need transparency on
where the person money is going, and that's why I
think we can build rebuild public trust. That review will
(07:27):
be my first action as a mayor.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
What will you do to ensure that rate rises will
be kept to a minimum.
Speaker 3 (07:36):
This is an interesting question. When water services move to
the new entity, it will provide significant rates release for households. However,
sustainable affordability comes from discipline financial management. In my view,
we'll keep rates low by making smartest pending decisions, reviewing
all the council priorities, and ensuring value for money in
(07:58):
every single project that we will be investing in.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
If you couldn't vote for yourself, who would you vote for?
Speaker 3 (08:06):
I will vote the person who shares my visions for
the smarter and more affordable and vibrant hutlty. But since
I can't say me, I believe that for the voters
to decide.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
You're not going to have a second choice. How do
you plan to work with a counsel that might have
actual members on that council that oppose your views?
Speaker 3 (08:27):
I actually think diversity of thought is healthy. I welcome it.
Diversity of use is healthy because when we are focused
on solutions that are fair, affordable, and that benefits the majority,
it really brings that healthy discussion.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
You have one minute and ten seconds for your closing statement.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Sure, Nick, we are at a crossroads. The HUT really
needs fresh, bold and balanced leadership that listens and delivers.
And I'm not a career politician. I see this as
a responsibility to serve and not as a status. So
I said to our residents, bought mayor for leadership. That's
(09:12):
that brings fresh energy, people focused, no baggage, practical and
truly committed to giving value for your money.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Right. One final yes or no question?
Speaker 3 (09:25):
Sure?
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Do you support the amalgamation of Wellington par and Upperhutt
City councils?
Speaker 3 (09:33):
Yes? Only for law Hut and Upper Hut where it
makes sense.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Wow. Thanks brav all the very very best. Well done.
You came in under time too, well done, all the best.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
Thank you you too.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
After the break, we come back with Karen Morgan and
Ken Labourn. It's the final week of council elections around
the area and we've gone to Hot City the mayoral
elections and we've got all the candidates that are running.
Next up is one term council and former Tighter College principal,
Aaron Morgan.
Speaker 3 (10:07):
Good morning Karen, Good morning Nick.
Speaker 4 (10:09):
How are you?
Speaker 2 (10:10):
I'm great, how are you doing? Nervous?
Speaker 5 (10:13):
Nice to chat today. Know it's exciting and I'm really
excited to connect the game with your listeners. So thanks
for having me back on the show.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
Right, let's go, We've got the clock starts now. Why Karen,
are you the best candidate to be the new mayor
of Hut City.
Speaker 5 (10:27):
I am the best because I have the most leadership experience.
I've got a proven record of success. I've managed a
multimillion dollar budget, I've managed a business of over sixty
people with no hr team, where the buck absolutely stops
with me. I've had leadership, SIMS, governance experience at a
national level, life experience for the great here to prove
(10:48):
for it a three year to two more council, So
I am totally ready to lead our city.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
What's the most important issue for the hut residence that
will be on your priority work on list?
Speaker 5 (10:59):
Well, we can say rates, costed living, parking, but what's
important is social cohesion, which means for me and keep
connecting people, putting people first and rebuilding community. This is
a real focus for me.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
What's your number one policy that you'll enter the office
is absolute, non negotiable.
Speaker 5 (11:18):
I want to set really high expectations for our council,
being visible and present in our community, and not just
at election time.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
Our residents should know who we are and.
Speaker 5 (11:28):
Because we're representing them, we are their voices and we
should be approachable. So I think it's time to rebuild trust,
have clear communication and better accountability and transparency.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
What's the one way that you'll ensure rates won't rise
and they'll be kept to a minimum.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
Well, the reality is there's not much fat in the budget.
But we will do a line by line review, which
will be necessary, particularly with the new water entity, as
that will absolutely have an impact on the rates.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
If you couldn't vote for yourself, who would you vote for?
Speaker 5 (11:59):
Well, I'm putting myself forward because I don't believe there's
anyone else that can lead us city like I can
with an inclusive approach. Was collaboration, connecting people and working
in partnership on all levels.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Okay, you're number one, who's number two?
Speaker 5 (12:13):
M past well on the glass roots are saying the
city's ready for a woman to lead our city, So
I'll leave it at that.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
Okay, how do you plan to work with a council
that might have members with opposing views to your own?
Speaker 4 (12:27):
Well, I'm used to dealing with different views.
Speaker 5 (12:29):
Actually, that's been my bread and butter for the last
thirty years. So for me, it's about having enough support
to get decisions across the line. What I do is
I lead teams, I build teams, and together we create
a culture of support and a culture of success. And
that's my experience and that's exactly what I plan to
do on council as MEA.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
You've got ninety seconds for your closing statement.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Oh, that's actually a lot longer than I anticipated.
Speaker 5 (12:57):
So look, I guess my closing statement is I'm really
ready to create history by becoming the first woman mayor
of Hut City. I think there's going to be a
lot going on in our in the next ten years
and the well being of people are going to be
a priority. What the city is going to need is experience,
strong leadership that's cool, calm, collected at every move. So
I am that person. I have no agenda except doing
(13:20):
the very best I can for our people and our place,
and I'm absolutely ready to go. It would be a
complete and absolute.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
Honor, right Karen, One final yes or no question? Please,
do you support the idea of the amalgamation between Wellington PORU,
Lower Hut and Upper Ut City Councils? Yes, thank you
very much and all the very best. Right, finally, great,
thank you. And finally we have long time Wellington Regional
(13:48):
Counsel and Local Sporting Identity, Ken Laban, good ay.
Speaker 6 (13:52):
Ken morrimc.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Your set, you're ready to go, We'll go all good.
You're never were the quickest in the world, so let's go.
All right, it starts, It starts. The time starts now
why are you the best candidate to he's a new
mayor of the Hot City.
Speaker 6 (14:09):
Well, you talked earlier about the ability to manage diverse views.
I'm hoping that not only that I get elected, but
we get a good group of people who are committed
to leaving the Hot City, because it's not an individual thing,
even though we're talking about the mayoralty, it's a collective.
So you know, I'm hoping my ability of working with
(14:29):
teams and with people over the years will allow me
to do a good job of leading a group of
people who want to see change in the HUT.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
What's the most important issue for HUT residents? That will
be your priority work on.
Speaker 6 (14:43):
Well, depending on what level you talk to, but full
on the ground, cost of living a priority in the
cost of rates as you know, plus you edit insurance
and health insurance. There are some demands at that level
for those that are struggling. And equally, we need the
business and commercial side of our city to lead the
way as well if we want to really add vibrancy
(15:06):
and a new positive direction from a commercial perspective to
our future.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
What's your number one policy that you're enter the office
with as an absolute non negotiable.
Speaker 6 (15:16):
I think an absolute non negotiable for all of us
is finding ways to generate more income and more spending
in our local business areas. And it's been very, very challenging.
But I'm hoping that my experience in the event side,
pulling people together, pulling events together, trying to get people
into our barts, restaurants, hotels and cafes, getting more visitors
(15:39):
to spend more nights in our hotels, not only in
the heart but across the city could only benefit everybody.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
If you wouldn't vote for yourself, who would you vote for?
Speaker 6 (15:50):
It's been a very pleasant campaign, Nick, very respectful. The
other three candidates so you've spoken to already, all have
good messages and the good people will work with where
we get selected.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
How do you plan to work with a council that
might have met members with opposing views to yourself?
Speaker 6 (16:09):
Well, I hope that we do have opposing people with
opposing views and diverse views, and we have robust debates,
because you know, out of those kinds of debates can
come some very good ideas. You and I both know
what it's like we wanting them. Was that at its peak,
with great events and great hospitality and visitors of those
(16:29):
kinds of ideas require robust debates with diverse views.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
Can you have ninety seconds to give us your closing
statement and tell us why we should vote for you.
Speaker 6 (16:42):
Well, I'm really hoping that I get the opportunity to
be part of a team that can make meaningful change
in the city. And there will be those that agree
with me and those that those that don't. We need
seven votes to get decent policy approved at the table.
I'm hoping that my time in the community and the
support that the community has shown me for the various
(17:02):
aspects and organizations I've been associated with, will help. But
a very high priority for me is going to be
trying to find new revenue streams, trying to bring new
visitors not only to the Hut City, but to our region.
And that's the influence of being on the regional Council.
And I most certainly hope that those connections that I
have made over the course of my twelve years on
the Regional Council will stand me in will stand me
(17:25):
in good stead in terms have been able to work
with multiple organizations. We definitely need new people coming to
our city. We definitely need new investment. We definitely need
to find new revenue stream and we need to find
ways to alleviate the stress of constantly going to the ratepayer,
which has been a real challenge for people over time.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Right now, one last question, Ken, you had ten seconds
to spare. Your timing was impeccable, by the way, Buddy.
One final yes or no question. Do you support the
amalgamation of Wellington por Upper Hut councils.
Speaker 6 (18:01):
Amalgamations inevitable? Yes? I do?
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Okay, Ken, All the very very best things with coming
on and we'll talk to the winner on Monday. There
it is. There's our rep of the hot city mears.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
For more from Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, listen live
to news Talks It'd be Wellington from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.
You're listening to the Wellington Mornings podcast with Nick Mills
from News Talks at b It's.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Local body election day on Saturday, and one of the
most interesting mayoral races in the region is who's going
to replace Campbell Barry as mayor of Hutt City. So
we thought that we spend the last part of our
show hearing from the four people who are in line
to replace them. We're going to do quick fire interview
each with the four candidates between now and midday. We
(00:36):
have each candidate on the line for four minutes, and
I've got to emphasize that four minutes. I have a
list of questions are the same questions. We're being fair
and the length of their answers will dictate on how
many questions we'll get through with each of them. The
clock will start ticking when there's ten seconds to go.
(00:57):
Yesterday we drew the names out of a hand, not
a hat, a hand to decide the order. First up
is two to two. Counselor Brady Dwyer Morning, Brady, Morning, Mack.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
How are you doing.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
I'm doing great. How are you doing? Are you nervous?
Speaker 4 (01:13):
Yeah, no, really nervous. Now I'm excited It's been a
really fun campaign. I've really enjoyed getting out there touring
because people, yeah, looking forward to the result on Saturday afternoon.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
All right, the clock starting. Now. Why are you the
best candidate to be the new mayor of Hut City?
Speaker 5 (01:29):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (01:30):
Look, I bring experience, leadership, I've had six years on
the council now in two decades running several businesses, passionate,
I'm future focused, and I bring a proven track record
of bringing people together and getting things done. For me,
it's not just about showing up now during the election period.
I've been doing the MAHI for years, turning up, listening
and delivering for our community.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
What's the most important issue for Hut residents that you'll
be your main priority work on.
Speaker 4 (01:55):
Will be Yeah, Like I've got three priorities this campaign.
The first one is doing the basics better. So this
is delivering great core services better, prioritizing our spending and
making sure we get the fundamentals right. One for me
is boosting our local heart businesses. There's a business owner myself,
I know that we need to back our local industries,
support innovation, keep jobs here so that the heart can
keep punching above its weight. And the third one for
(02:18):
me is building stronger communities, to supporting projects that give
us vibrant, connected communities and ensuring that people are part
of every decision that we make.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
What's your number one policy when you enter the office
as are absolute, non negotiable.
Speaker 4 (02:32):
Yeah, well, looking at the rates increases that are projected
over the next few years. That the thing. The number
one thing for me is looking at core services and
making sure that they're running as effectively as possible so
every rate payers dollars are delivering really real value. People
don't mind paying rates, but they mind when it's wasted.
So alongsidees the reviewing the budget, I also want to
launch an open public dashboard showing people exactly where their
(02:54):
rate payers money is going and tracking that against key projects.
But at the same time we also need to be
rebuilding trust between council and the community so people feel informed,
included and sort of part of.
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Every day decision.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
And I'm really looking forward to fronting up with that.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
If you couldn't vote for yourself, who would you vote for?
Speaker 1 (03:13):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (03:13):
Look at big Karen Morgan for one simple reason her
council experience. She's just finishing her first term on Council,
and I think it's fundamental that the next mayor of
Lower Heart has had that recent experience on the council
before jumping into the big seat.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
What's the one way that you're unsure rate rises will
be kept at a minimum.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
Alec, This one is about looking at how we can
be more effective and delivering smarter. We're already leading away
nationally and we've already won some awards at the Council
for our use of AI and we're only just dipping
our toes in and we're already seeing some huge wins
for ratepayers and efficiency gains. The other part of the
equation is using our debt responsibly so that we spread
(03:53):
the cost for big projects fairly across all generations that
will benefit from that investment.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
How do you plan to work with the council? It
might have actually members with opposing views to your own.
Speaker 4 (04:05):
Yeah, I'm most excited for is actually building a team
with the colleagues that our city puts their trust in.
On Saturday at noon, I'll be sitting down with each
of them one on one from nine am Monday morning
and really looking forward to sort of building a team
with the parts that we've got there.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
You've got one minute before your time runs out to
tell us your closing statement.
Speaker 4 (04:27):
Oh look, it's been a pleasure to serve as a
city councilor for the last six years and on the
Potni Community Board for three years prior to that. So
with nine years on the Hut City Council. Look, I've
done the apprenticeship. I'm ready to hit the ground running
as our city goes through some really exciting periods of change.
We've got huge, transformable, transformational projects like Rivelink about to
(04:48):
kick off imminently, and I'm really excited to be part
of the team delivering those in creating a city that
future generations will thank us for. If your voting papers
are still sitting neglected on your dining table, please rip
them open vote Brady dyaph Mayor and get them into
a ballot box before midday on Saturday.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
It did well with you, You did well with your timing, Brad. Now, Brady,
I've got one final yes or no question, right, do
you support the amalgamation of Wellington Paru Hut Napphat I support?
Speaker 4 (05:17):
I was having the conversation. I don't know full super
city Auckland style is where we need to go, but
definitely up to the conversation. In my personal opinion, something
in the Hut Valley, Upper Hut, Lolla Hut probably does
make a strong hour.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Supposed to be a yes or no Brady, Yes, thank you,
appreciate your time. Yeah, best of luck. By the way.
Next up we have local dance school operator Parbara Ravi.
Good morning, Praba, Good morning man. Are you set to go?
Are you ready?
Speaker 3 (05:49):
Yes, it's really great to be here. I actually listened
to your show all the time when driving around, so
it's nice to be part of the conversation today.
Speaker 2 (05:57):
Great. By the way, I can't vote in Lahat. I
just wanted to put that out there. Your four minutes
start now. Why I use the best candidate to be
the new mayor of Hut City.
Speaker 6 (06:08):
Nick.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
I'm fiercely independent. I bring fresh people, felt this leadership
to the Hut. With over twenty years in governance, business,
community and arts. I'll bring new thinking, practical solutions, and
leadership that really listens acts and jelibus. My goal is
actually simple, smarter spending and real value for your money.
Speaker 2 (06:30):
What's the most important issue for Hut residency. You'll be
your priority to work on affordability.
Speaker 3 (06:37):
Make everything is gonna rates, parking, even daily living. My
top priority is smarter spending, stop the waste, fix the basics, lords,
pieps rubbish and make living in the hut affordable. Agains
for our families and small businesses by removing the barriers
for those businesses and bring the motive back to the city.
Speaker 2 (06:58):
What's your number one policy that you'll enter office as
a non negotiable smarter spending.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
That's a non negotiable oil commission, an independent financial review,
stop unnecessary outsourcing or wasteful spending, and make sure council
delivers services efficiently and on time. We need transparency on
where the person money is going, and that's why I
think we can build rebuild public trust. That review will
(07:27):
be my first action as a mayor.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
What will you do to ensure that rate rises will
be kept to a minimum.
Speaker 3 (07:36):
This is an interesting question. When water services move to
the new entity, it will provide significant rates release for households. However,
sustainable affordability comes from discipline financial management. In my view,
we'll keep rates low by making smartest pending decisions, reviewing
all the council priorities, and ensuring value for money in
(07:58):
every single project that we will be investing in.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
If you couldn't vote for yourself, who would you vote for?
Speaker 3 (08:06):
I will vote the person who shares my visions for
the smarter and more affordable and vibrant hutlty. But since
I can't say me, I believe that for the voters
to decide.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
You're not going to have a second choice. How do
you plan to work with a counsel that might have
actual members on that council that oppose your views?
Speaker 3 (08:27):
I actually think diversity of thought is healthy. I welcome it.
Diversity of use is healthy because when we are focused
on solutions that are fair, affordable, and that benefits the majority,
it really brings that healthy discussion.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
You have one minute and ten seconds for your closing statement.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Sure, Nick, we are at a crossroads. The HUT really
needs fresh, bold and balanced leadership that listens and delivers.
And I'm not a career politician. I see this as
a responsibility to serve and not as a status. So
I said to our residents, bought mayor for leadership. That's
(09:12):
that brings fresh energy, people focused, no baggage, practical and
truly committed to giving value for your money.
Speaker 2 (09:22):
Right. One final yes or no question?
Speaker 3 (09:25):
Sure?
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Do you support the amalgamation of Wellington par and Upperhutt
City councils?
Speaker 3 (09:33):
Yes? Only for law Hut and Upper Hut where it
makes sense.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Wow. Thanks brav all the very very best. Well done.
You came in under time too, well done, all the best.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
Thank you you too.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
After the break, we come back with Karen Morgan and
Ken Labourn. It's the final week of council elections around
the area and we've gone to Hot City the mayoral
elections and we've got all the candidates that are running.
Next up is one term council and former Tighter College principal,
Aaron Morgan.
Speaker 3 (10:07):
Good morning Karen, Good morning Nick.
Speaker 4 (10:09):
How are you?
Speaker 2 (10:10):
I'm great, how are you doing? Nervous?
Speaker 5 (10:13):
Nice to chat today. Know it's exciting and I'm really
excited to connect the game with your listeners. So thanks
for having me back on the show.
Speaker 2 (10:19):
Right, let's go, We've got the clock starts now. Why Karen,
are you the best candidate to be the new mayor
of Hut City.
Speaker 5 (10:27):
I am the best because I have the most leadership experience.
I've got a proven record of success. I've managed a
multimillion dollar budget, I've managed a business of over sixty
people with no hr team, where the buck absolutely stops
with me. I've had leadership, SIMS, governance experience at a
national level, life experience for the great here to prove
(10:48):
for it a three year to two more council, So
I am totally ready to lead our city.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
What's the most important issue for the hut residence that
will be on your priority work on list?
Speaker 5 (10:59):
Well, we can say rates, costed living, parking, but what's
important is social cohesion, which means for me and keep
connecting people, putting people first and rebuilding community. This is
a real focus for me.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
What's your number one policy that you'll enter the office
is absolute, non negotiable.
Speaker 5 (11:18):
I want to set really high expectations for our council,
being visible and present in our community, and not just
at election time.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
Our residents should know who we are and.
Speaker 5 (11:28):
Because we're representing them, we are their voices and we
should be approachable. So I think it's time to rebuild trust,
have clear communication and better accountability and transparency.
Speaker 2 (11:39):
What's the one way that you'll ensure rates won't rise
and they'll be kept to a minimum.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
Well, the reality is there's not much fat in the budget.
But we will do a line by line review, which
will be necessary, particularly with the new water entity, as
that will absolutely have an impact on the rates.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
If you couldn't vote for yourself, who would you vote for?
Speaker 5 (11:59):
Well, I'm putting myself forward because I don't believe there's
anyone else that can lead us city like I can
with an inclusive approach. Was collaboration, connecting people and working
in partnership on all levels.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Okay, you're number one, who's number two?
Speaker 5 (12:13):
M past well on the glass roots are saying the
city's ready for a woman to lead our city, So
I'll leave it at that.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
Okay, how do you plan to work with a council
that might have members with opposing views to your own?
Speaker 4 (12:27):
Well, I'm used to dealing with different views.
Speaker 5 (12:29):
Actually, that's been my bread and butter for the last
thirty years. So for me, it's about having enough support
to get decisions across the line. What I do is
I lead teams, I build teams, and together we create
a culture of support and a culture of success. And
that's my experience and that's exactly what I plan to
do on council as MEA.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
You've got ninety seconds for your closing statement.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Oh, that's actually a lot longer than I anticipated.
Speaker 5 (12:57):
So look, I guess my closing statement is I'm really
ready to create history by becoming the first woman mayor
of Hut City. I think there's going to be a
lot going on in our in the next ten years
and the well being of people are going to be
a priority. What the city is going to need is experience,
strong leadership that's cool, calm, collected at every move. So
I am that person. I have no agenda except doing
(13:20):
the very best I can for our people and our place,
and I'm absolutely ready to go. It would be a
complete and absolute.
Speaker 2 (13:26):
Honor, right Karen, One final yes or no question? Please,
do you support the idea of the amalgamation between Wellington PORU,
Lower Hut and Upper Ut City Councils? Yes, thank you
very much and all the very best. Right, finally, great,
thank you. And finally we have long time Wellington Regional
(13:48):
Counsel and Local Sporting Identity, Ken Laban, good ay.
Speaker 6 (13:52):
Ken morrimc.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
Your set, you're ready to go, We'll go all good.
You're never were the quickest in the world, so let's go.
All right, it starts, It starts. The time starts now
why are you the best candidate to he's a new
mayor of the Hot City.
Speaker 6 (14:09):
Well, you talked earlier about the ability to manage diverse views.
I'm hoping that not only that I get elected, but
we get a good group of people who are committed
to leaving the Hot City, because it's not an individual thing,
even though we're talking about the mayoralty, it's a collective.
So you know, I'm hoping my ability of working with
(14:29):
teams and with people over the years will allow me
to do a good job of leading a group of
people who want to see change in the HUT.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
What's the most important issue for HUT residents? That will
be your priority work on.
Speaker 6 (14:43):
Well, depending on what level you talk to, but full
on the ground, cost of living a priority in the
cost of rates as you know, plus you edit insurance
and health insurance. There are some demands at that level
for those that are struggling. And equally, we need the
business and commercial side of our city to lead the
way as well if we want to really add vibrancy
(15:06):
and a new positive direction from a commercial perspective to
our future.
Speaker 2 (15:10):
What's your number one policy that you're enter the office
with as an absolute non negotiable.
Speaker 6 (15:16):
I think an absolute non negotiable for all of us
is finding ways to generate more income and more spending
in our local business areas. And it's been very, very challenging.
But I'm hoping that my experience in the event side,
pulling people together, pulling events together, trying to get people
into our barts, restaurants, hotels and cafes, getting more visitors
(15:39):
to spend more nights in our hotels, not only in
the heart but across the city could only benefit everybody.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
If you wouldn't vote for yourself, who would you vote for?
Speaker 6 (15:50):
It's been a very pleasant campaign, Nick, very respectful. The
other three candidates so you've spoken to already, all have
good messages and the good people will work with where
we get selected.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
How do you plan to work with a council that
might have met members with opposing views to yourself?
Speaker 6 (16:09):
Well, I hope that we do have opposing people with
opposing views and diverse views, and we have robust debates,
because you know, out of those kinds of debates can
come some very good ideas. You and I both know
what it's like we wanting them. Was that at its peak,
with great events and great hospitality and visitors of those
(16:29):
kinds of ideas require robust debates with diverse views.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
Can you have ninety seconds to give us your closing
statement and tell us why we should vote for you.
Speaker 6 (16:42):
Well, I'm really hoping that I get the opportunity to
be part of a team that can make meaningful change
in the city. And there will be those that agree
with me and those that those that don't. We need
seven votes to get decent policy approved at the table.
I'm hoping that my time in the community and the
support that the community has shown me for the various
(17:02):
aspects and organizations I've been associated with, will help. But
a very high priority for me is going to be
trying to find new revenue streams, trying to bring new
visitors not only to the Hut City, but to our region.
And that's the influence of being on the regional Council.
And I most certainly hope that those connections that I
have made over the course of my twelve years on
the Regional Council will stand me in will stand me
(17:25):
in good stead in terms have been able to work
with multiple organizations. We definitely need new people coming to
our city. We definitely need new investment. We definitely need
to find new revenue stream and we need to find
ways to alleviate the stress of constantly going to the ratepayer,
which has been a real challenge for people over time.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
Right now, one last question, Ken, you had ten seconds
to spare. Your timing was impeccable, by the way, Buddy.
One final yes or no question. Do you support the
amalgamation of Wellington por Upper Hut councils.
Speaker 6 (18:01):
Amalgamations inevitable? Yes? I do?
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Okay, Ken, All the very very best things with coming
on and we'll talk to the winner on Monday. There
it is. There's our rep of the hot city mears.
Speaker 1 (18:17):
For more from Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills, listen live
to news Talks It'd be Wellington from nine am weekdays,
or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.