Grenville Gaskell – Greater Wellington Regional Council Candidate Profile

Grenville Gaskell wearing glasses and a checked shirt with a grey blazer, smiling indoors near a window.
Grenville Gaskell is standing for the Greater Wellington Regional Council, citing his passion for the region’s future and sustainable environmental priorities.

Why I’m standing
I care greatly about the future of our region and the important role Greater Wellington
Regional Council has in contributing to a thriving community that values sustainable
environmental outcomes.


My focus will be on ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of core Council services.
Over the 10-year period from 2020 to 2029 GWRC has, or is forecast to, increase rates
income by $242 million or over 180%. This increase is almost five times higher than the
projected inflation rate for the same period.


I know all Councils are facing significant cost pressures, but an increase of over 180% is
unaffordable for many households and businesses. My goal is to work with fellow
Councillors and the Council leadership team to seek efficiencies and achieve a better
outcome for ratepayers.


About me
I have spent my career in finance, marketing, asset management, project delivery and
general management positions mostly in large corporates. My most recent role was as Chief
Executive of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association. I have an active interest in
environmental protection and am on the management committee of The Guardians of the
Pāuatahanui Inlet. We work to restore the health of this nationally significant estuary.


GWRC is a significant organisation with forecast total assets of $4.1billion by 2029 and
annual expenditure of $744 million, nearly three quarters of a billion dollars. I would value
the opportunity to contribute to the Council delivering fantastic outcomes for our wider
community and would consider it a privilege to represent the Porirua-Tawa constituency in
doing so.


My priorities

  1. The provision of high-quality cost-effective core services.
  2. Ensuring our environment is protected for future generations.
  3. Working collaboratively with regional stakeholders to improve delivery.

Authorised by Grenville Gaskell
[email protected]