Housing fit for all

I want Porirua to be a place where there is increased social housing, as well as a greater range of housing options. I wish to see intensification that is sustainable and is linked to building our local economic power, employment and wellbeing.

Our road and water systems keep our city alive. Our communities need to be part of solving the challenges of congestion, flooding and water leaks in Porirua. Council needs to engage with the community when these problems come up, and develop solutions together.

Active and sustainable transport

Porirua needs to prioritise safety and sustainable transport solutions, that create a level playing field when it comes to moving around the city and beyond. 

We should look at how we fund contractors on repairing and improving the road network including pedestrian crossings and footpaths, and we need to consider novel ways to co-design spaces with the community. 

We need to work with central government and cooperate with councils across the region to reduce the burden of cost to use transport for students, those on low incomes and those with accessibility challenges. 

A vibrant environment whose wellbeing is connected to our own

We should acknowledge that the environment is an intrinsic part of our identity and wellbeing and is connected to our major strategic decisions as a local government. 

Porirua should be seen as a leader in responding to the climate crisis, and should consider further acceleration of the Te Ao Hurihuri plan already underway. We need to establish a city-wide strategic focus on adaptation and mitigation, including managed retreat and stormwater network improvements for at-risk communities, and prioritise projects that have co-benefits. 

We need to look at protecting endemic species as part of the biodiversity in Porirua, and be proactive on ecological restoration. We must continue to focus on improving water quality at the beach and in the harbour, so that we know it’s safe to use these spaces.

We also need to be courageous in diverting waste from landfills, with a focus on organic and construction/demolition waste. 

This work relies on our ability to look to new models of collaboration with partners across the region, particularly tāngata whenua. 

Accountable decision making that reflects the community of both today and tomorrow

A city is not just its structures and spaces, it is the voices of the community. Porirua City’s local governance should reflect the diversity of peoples’ connections and the experiences of those who live and work here.

We also need to proactively improve our methods of transparency and accountability when it comes to decision making, and we need to look to the shared destiny that our city and region shares with tāngata whenua and how that can be improved. 

The public wants to trust that the council is acting wisely on its behalf but the council has to earn that trust.

Spaces that make Porirua a living city

It is time for Porirua to take the next step towards a modern city, including how it names its streets, acknowledges its history and promotes its connection to the universe of nations and peoples who have come to settle in this city. 

We don't want to lose spaces that have been reserved for people to enjoy the outdoors.

We need to have a consistent and fair collaboration with sporting clubs and associations to the future investment of recreational spaces across Porirua and the region, and take meaningful steps to reduce antisocial behaviour in the city centre and beaches.

Build our own economic destiny

Porirua’s economic challenges are sizeable, but the solutions must empower our communities. We need a city that is focussed on our strengths, and builds upon them. 

Porirua is home to a lot of creative minds and hard grafters running small businesses but going elsewhere to do it, and we need to find ways to help them thrive. 

We should strive to be a viable option for future proofing the Wellington based public service, and we need to back our local firms and rangatahi to build our city.

The kind of people who should be representing us on council shouldn’t just react to things that happen, they should be pushing for change.

Our community has already done great things and shown where we need council to step up.

We need councillors who will act for the community because they are a part of the community.

You can read more about Labour's 2025 policy manifesto for Porirua by clicking here.