I’m Rob Goulden and I’m standing for mayor because we can deliver the strong and decisive leadership that Wellington needs.

Wellington needs new leadership. Our city is facing major challenges on several fronts, and we need a mayor who is up to the job of tackling them.

There is no place for Party Politics especially by those who put their ideology ahead of the best interests of Wellingtonians and the Cities real needs.

I’ve previously served as a Wellington City Councillor for 12 years on one of Welllington’s most successful Councils. So, I know how the Council works – and more importantly, how it should work.

I am currently the Managing Director of a Security Company which is a successful business which I own and operate. I hold a Master’s Degree in Business Administration as a Graduate of the Executive MBA Program.

I have a proven record of service – as a decorated police officer, and army officer, a Justice of the Peace for 23 years, and a Wellington City Councillor. I have devoted my career across a range of roles to helping people, keeping them safe and serving their best interests.

I am pragmatic, relish challenges and work collegially to get the job done. I am confident I have the skills, experience, energy, good health and commitment to serve as Mayor of Wellington.

If elected as Mayor, my pledge to you is that the Council will listen to Wellingtonians rather than assume the Council and I always know best. I will work collegially with councillors from right across the political spectrum, and will focus on the priorities which will get this beautiful city back on its feet.

Key policies

Policy One

Long Term Plan: Set out a budget that will pay off debt in 20 years.

Policy Two

Everything will be open to the scrutiny of the media and the public of Wellington. There will be no more closed council meetings. The council needs to be more open and transparent. Transparency builds trust.

Policy Three

We will speed up the consenting process. The council will be restructured so that it becomes a ‘One Stop Shop’ for investors, all developers, either private and domestic. The focus must be on better efficiency and being more-user friendly.

Policy Four

We will ensure Wellington has excellent public transport which is supported by fit-for-purpose infrastructure.

Policy Five

Instruct the Chief Executive of Wellington City Council to carry out a complete review of council staffing. Council needs to become a lean machine, more effective, more facilitating and more streamlined.

Policy Six

Change the arbitrary nature and culture of Wellington City Council to a facilitating one to aid and push the vision for Wellington 2050. New Zealand will celebrate its 200 anniversary as an independent nation in 2040 and Wellington needs to be well back on track by then to celebrate its status as the Capital.

Policy Seven

We need to deal with the cost of compliance. The onus should be put on consultants and engineers to oversee all developments. Those responsible for designing and building facilities should be satisfying insurance companies and certifying authorities that any given project is well designed, properly costed and well-constructed with all foreseeable risks properly identified and addressed.

Authorised by Rob Goulden, 14 Bruges Avenue, Miramar, Wellington. P. 027434875