Onepoto ward candidate Chris Ellis is standing by his principles in this year’s local election, running on experience, honesty, and a healthy dose of scepticism toward political slogans.
A long-time community lawyer with 16 years of service, Ellis has kept his campaign simple, deliberately relying on his reputation and a 150-word profile in the Candidates Information Booklet, steering clear of social media and marketing fanfare.
“I hate Facebook,” Ellis said. “The newbies say ‘It’s time for a change’ but don’t specify from, or to, what. The incumbents say ‘Stick with a proven recipe’ but don’t specify what that is or how it might be improved.”
Ellis said the most honest pitch he could make to voters was to ask for their vote based on his record and readiness, not spin. “I have a brain. I have served my community. I’m ready for this. Choose me, or someone else. But please don’t choose someone who is pretending to be savvy.”
He said his reservations were reinforced at a recent “meet the candidates” evening in Titahi Bay, where a seasoned councillor offered a pointed remark: “You don’t know what you don’t know.” For Ellis, the implication was clear, fresh voices shouldn’t criticise without having sat at the council table.
“Now there’s a cheery, hopeful message for an incoming board of governors,” Ellis said. “I’m one of 20-odd thousand ratepayers paying roughly $5,000 each to put on this show, but I couldn’t possibly understand the complexity of production.”
Ellis said he’s not pretending to have all the answers, but he does know the questions that need to be asked. One of those is around the council’s proposed rate hikes, 17.5 percent in 2024/25, 14 percent in 2026/27, while election-year rates rose just 6.39 percent.
“Oh, hang on. Yes, I do [know],” Ellis said wryly. “Because 24/25 is an election year. Are we supposed to be that easy to fool?”
He questioned why his rates are set to rise by $700 in 2025/26, even after the council offloaded a third of its assets and spending. With net debt still forecast to grow by $170 million, he said it’s unclear where the financial relief is going.
“I do know that I don’t understand that,” Ellis said. “If you share my ignorance, and want me to get you an answer, vote Chris Ellis #1.”