Porirua is my home. I grew up here, went to school here, and raised my family here. I didn’t plan on becoming Mayor, but when you care deeply about a place, you step up. That’s what I did 15 years ago when I first stood for Council, and it’s why I’ve worked hard every day since, first as a Councillor, and for the past six years as Mayor.
This city has shaped who I am. Porirua is full of energy, heart and determination. It’s diverse, hard-working, and straight-talking, just like the people who live here. And that’s why I’ve decided to run for a third term.
The last few years haven’t been easy. For many households, the cost of living is the toughest it’s been in a generation. I hear it every day, from young parents trying to stretch the grocery budget to retirees worried about their rates bill. At the same time, councils like ours are expected to deliver more and more, upgrading infrastructure, protecting the environment, and maintaining services – with limited resources. But I’ve never been afraid of hard work or hard decisions.
My focus has been on getting the basics right, upgrading our pipes, restoring our harbour, and investing in stormwater systems. We’ve planted over 359,000 native trees to protect our environment and improve water quality, with 155,000 more to come. These aren’t flashy projects, but they matter.
Water infrastructure is a huge part of the challenge ahead. Porirua, like other councils in the region, is now in a transition period as we help shape a new regional water entity. Done right, it will provide more consistent funding, better planning, and stronger delivery. I’ll be working hard to make sure Porirua gets its fair share, because we can’t afford to be left behind.
Rates are another pressure point. I know how hard it is right now. That’s why I’ve pushed for responsible budgeting and made sure our increases have stayed the lowest in the Wellington region. Every dollar matters, and we’ve had to make tough calls to strike the right balance between what’s needed and what people can afford.
But being Mayor isn’t just about budgets and pipes. It’s about showing up. In the last year alone, I’ve been to over 250 community events, from school prizegiving’s and sports finals to Pasifika festivals, marae gatherings, and church services. That’s how I stay connected. That’s where trust is built.
I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but I know there’s more to do. We’ve started involving people in new ways, like our Citizens’ Assembly on Climate, and I want to keep that going. Because when people are part of the solution, we make better decisions.
This isn’t a time for chopping and changing. It’s a time for steady, practical leadership. If that’s what you value, I’d be honoured to keep serving as your Mayor.
Regards Anita