Mayoral candidate Bloxham to defend driving charge

Friday, 11 July 2025

Graham Bloxham, a candidate in Wellington’s mayoral race, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to stop for police.

Bloxham, who fronts the Wellington Live social media sites, was charged after an alleged incident in Wellington on May 2.

The charge was failing to stop when he was followed by an enforcement officer driving with flashing blue and red lights or sounding a siren.

In the Wellington District Court on Friday Bloxham’s lawyer, Kevin Smith, confirmed the not guilty plea that was indicated previously. Bloxham would give evidence in his own defence, he said.

The trial is due to be heard on August 8, but there was a question about whether one of the two police witnesses would be available on that date.

The charge would be dismissed if police could not proceed on the date set, a Justice of the Peace said.

Bloxham, 57, announced his candidacy in January. He is also running in the Motukairangi/Eastern ward for a council seat.