Andrew Little gets Labour party backing for mayoral race

Monday, 28 April 2025

Former Labour leader Andrew Little told The Post the city has “lost its confidence, lost its mojo”.

Former Labour leader Andrew Little has been formally confirmed as the party’s candidate for the Wellington mayoral race.

Although he was sought out by the party for its ticket, and announced his intention to run earlier this month, the capital’s branch members had to rubber stamp his candidacy.

That happened at a meeting on Monday night, and now gives the former cabinet minister access to the party’s war chest and considerable campaign resources.

“I intend to run a people-powered volunteer campaign involving tens of thousands of door knocks, phone calls and deliveries. The support of local Labour volunteers will be invaluable as we build our campaign network,” Little said in a statement.

He has promised to prioritise fixing water infrastructure, making public transport cheaper, investing in parks, swimming pools and libraries, and developing more housing.

Little has also said he’d take a second look at the controversial Golden Mile project, wondering if it could be “rephased”.

The former Labour Party leader believes Wellington has lost its confidence and the city council 'doesn't seem to be offering the leadership that's needed'.

“I am standing for mayor for the very simple reason that I want to use my skills and experience to get this city back to its best,” Little said.

Currently working for a city law firm, Little left Parliament following Labour's 2023 election defeat.

A former trade union boss and then president of the Labour party, he first entered Parliament in 2011.

Within three years, he was the party’s leader, but stood aside for Dame Jacinda Ardern, who went on to become prime minister in 2017.

During his time in government, Little held 12 ministerial portfolios, including health during the Covid-19 pandemic, defence and justice.

Little is expected to launch his campaign for the October local body elections next month.

There are now seven contenders for the city’s top job: incumbent Tory Whanau, councillor Ray Chung, former councillor Rob Goulden, conservationist Kelvin Hastie, business owner Karl Tiefenbacher, and Graham Bloxham.