Zac Painting, a Porirua high school teacher, has announced his candidacy for the Onepoto Ward in the upcoming local elections, standing on behalf of the Green Party.
Painting said his decision to run was sparked by his involvement in the Porirua Assembly, a citizens’ group convened to explore local responses to climate change. The experience, he said, highlighted the need for stronger climate leadership at the council level.
“Our community was clear that we need bold, decisive action to prepare for future climate impacts,” Painting said. “I want to make sure our Council plays a leading role in this.”
If elected, Painting plans to focus on cleaning up local waterways, expanding streamside planting efforts, and increasing support for predator control to protect native species. He also emphasised the importance of basic infrastructure and services.
“We need to make sure the new water entity meets Porirua’s needs, and that essential services continue without putting unreasonable pressure on rates,” he said.
A key theme of Painting’s campaign is public participation. He supports using citizens’ assemblies and participatory budgeting to involve residents more directly in decision-making, and wants to see the Youth Council reinstated to encourage earlier engagement from young people.
“It’s about their future,” he said.
Painting is one of several candidates contesting the Onepoto Ward seat, with a campaign platform focused on environmental sustainability, community involvement, and local service delivery.