The Green Party is congratulating all Green winners in the local body elections for 2016 after hard fought campaigns, and welcomes the first Pasifika Green Party Councillor in Dunedin.
In Wellington, City Councillors Sarah Free, Iona Pannett and David Lee were all re-elected, as was Wellington Regional Councillor Sue Kedgley. Lisa Bridson was re-elected to Hutt Eastern Ward & Capital and Coast DHB.
Dunedin City Council’s Aaron Hawkins and Marie Laufiso were successful, as was Brent Barrett in Palmerston North.
“We’re really pleased with the success of our candidates who ran great campaigns all the way across Aotearoa, and to see a great diversity in new Green faces on our councils”, said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.
“I’m particularly thrilled to have the first Pasifika Green Councillor in Marie Laufiso, who was successfully elected in Dunedin.
“The increasing presence of Green politicians at the local level is a signal of a sea change in politics, and a sign that Green issues are increasingly mainstream.
“On a personal note and as a proud resident of Waitati I would also like to give my sincere congratulations to Mandy Mayhem Pirate Queen, who was elected to the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board.
“I would also like to congratulate Mike Tana who is going to make a fantastic mayor for Porirua.
“We are excited to see the great work all our Green candidates are going to achieve over the next term, and would like to sincerely thank everyone who made their campaigns possible”, said Ms Turei