Column by Anita Baker, Mayor of Porirua City.
Recently, I was asked to give a talk to a group of secondary school students about how I ended up Mayor and what the job involves, hopefully to inspire them to become active, engaged citizens and leaders of tomorrow. I thought I’d share some of what I told them.
Like many people, I didn’t have a grand plan. I grew up in Porirua, went to school mainly for the sport, and after a health condition meant I couldn’t play anymore, I had to adapt. I focused on working hard, staying positive, and making the most of the opportunities that came my way. That approach has carried me through all sorts of jobs — and eventually into local government.
Fifteen years ago, someone suggested I stand for Council. I wasn’t aiming for it, but I’d already seen how asking the right questions and pushing for what’s fair can make a difference. So I stood — as Councillor for nine years and Mayor for the past six — and I’ve been working for Porirua ever since.
One of the things I’ve learned as Mayor is how much of the job is about being present. Lately, after someone asked me, I tallied up the number of community events I took part in over the past year: more than 260. I know that sounds exhausting — and it did to me after I added them up — but actually, it’s energising. I’ve found that while the Council runs plenty of formal consultations, nothing beats turning up, listening, and meeting people where they are.
Whether it’s school prize givings, sports finals, Multicultural Day, Chinese New Year, Pasifika festivals, or gatherings at churches and marae, that’s where I hear what matters to people. That’s where trust is built. And that’s how the Council stays connected to the communities we serve.
Of course, being Mayor means dealing with some tough challenges, too. One of the biggest is the pressure on rates. Like every business and household, the Council as an organisation has been hit by several years of high inflation. At the same time, Councils are being asked to take on more — picking up responsibilities where central government steps back — all while managing the consequences of decades of underinvestment in key infrastructure. I know how hard that makes it for households facing higher rates bills, and I take that responsibility seriously. Every decision we make has to balance what’s needed with what people can realistically afford — and while we’ve kept rates increases the lowest in the region, I know that’s small relief when families and people on fixed incomes are doing it tough.
Water infrastructure is a big part of that picture. Our drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems have needed significant attention. Porirua, like Councils across the region, is now in a transition period as we work together to form a new water entity under the government’s reforms. The aim is to provide more consistent funding, better planning, and stronger delivery over time. Meanwhile, we’re continuing to invest in the network and in protecting our harbour — including planting 359,000 native trees so far, with another 155,000 on the way. There’s still work to do, but we’re on the right path.
What gives me confidence is the strength and spirit of this city. People care about Porirua and want to be part of building a better future. That’s why we’ve put real effort into involving the community in decisions. Ngāti Toa’s Citizens’ Assembly on Climate brought together 100 locals — including students and mana whenua — to help shape practical climate action. They came up with thoughtful, community-focused ideas like marae resilience plans and a Youth Council. It showed what’s possible when people are given the chance to be part of the solution.
Porirua has a proud tradition of electing young councillors, and I hope to see that continue. My message to young people is simple: you don’t need to have everything mapped out. Care about your community, listen, and say yes to opportunities that matter. You’ll learn as you go.
And that’s really what being Mayor is about. It’s not about sitting behind a desk. It’s about showing up, having honest conversations, and working hard to make life better where you can. That’s what I try to do, and it’s what I’ll keep doing for as long as I have the privilege to serve.