Ben McNulty announced as Wellington deputy mayor but rivals get key appointments

Wednesday, 29 October 2025

Incoming Wellington mayor Andrew Little has stuck with safe Labour hands for his deputy but awarded chair positions to his main rivals – and detractors – in the mayoral race.

Little, of Labour, who will be sworn in on Thursday, on Wednesday announced a first-time council feature - his deputy Ben McNulty, of Labour, and all committee chairs will be replaced half-way through the three-year term.

Of the committee chair positions, he has appointed mayoral candidate Diane Calvert to head the crucial planning and finance committee, fellow rival Karl Tiefenbacher to head the economic growth and development subcommittee, and Ray Chung to head the council controlled organisation subcommittee.

Tiefenbacher, was second in the mayoral race while Chung was third and Calvert fifth. All at various times criticised Little in the campaign, notably Chung.

Labour’s Nureddin Abdurahman picked up the city strategy and delivery chair position while Green Laurie Foon picked up the chair position for the social, cultural and environment committee. It means Calvert, Abdurahman and Foon hold the key chair positions.

Speaking at a press conference, McNulty said the 18-month stint was agreed mutually and he would not have wanted a full term. He bought himself an $80 digital watch to celebrate the appointment.

He was the top-polling councillor in Wellington City at the recent local body elections.

“I’ve been impressed with Ben’s grasp of the important issues facing Wellington, such as housing affordability, transport and community facilities,” Little said. “Crucially, he was among councillors who consistently advocated for public transparency, including issues like the sale of the airport shares.”

McNulty said he was excited for the opportunity to help lead the capital during challenging times.

“Public trust must be restored, rates need to be brought under control and Wellington needs to grow out of its current malaise. I’ll be throwing absolutely everything I’ve got into this role to ensure we build a cohesive team and positive council culture where all voices are heard.”

The new council will be officially sworn in at Pipitea Marae, on Thursday, where Liz Kelly and Holden Hohaia are expected to be appointed as pouiwi, or mana whenua representatives, on council.

Little came into power on a wave for Labour, which got a candidate into every ward except Wharangi/Onslow-Western where Independent Together candidate Ray Chung beat Labour’s Joy Gribben by just 45 votes.

Little campaigned on keeping a close grip on council spending, council transparency and investment in pools and libraries while protecting public assets. He pledged to make the city affordable by accelerating housing development and making public transport cheaper and more reliable, as well as supporting small businesses, and revitalising Wellington’s economy.

He pledged to fix the pipes, take action on the climate, and honour the Treaty of Waitangi.