A Capital Challenge: Rethinking the Numbers and Affording Our Future

Events

12 Jun

Wellington’s finances are in a challenging state. Rates and debt are climbing rapidly. Core services – like water – are under serious strain, as too are many local businesses. But what’s going wrong? And more importantly, how do we fix it?

The conversation was facilitated by Fran O’Sullivan, one of New Zealand’s most respected business journalists with decades of experience holding power to account — and asking the right questions

Full of thoughtful debate, a few uncomfortable truths, and real ideas for building a city we can afford.

In this honest, solutions-focused conversation about the city’s finances and doing business in the capital — we talked about what’s broken, why it matters, and what can be done to ensure we can afford the future.

Panellists

Brad Olsen — Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics, and 2020 Young Wellingtonian of the Year. Known for cutting through spin and making the numbers make sense. A trusted voice on regional economics and public spending.
Julie Moore — Managing Director and Co-owner of Moore Wilson’s, the iconic 107-year-old family-owned Wellington business. Brings the perspective of a long-established business owner navigating growth, reinvestment, and a changing cityscape.
Paul Ridley-Smith —Former Director of Wellington International Airport, Manawa Energy, and Arvida; previously General Counsel at Contact Energy. Deeply experienced in infrastructure and capital. Knows how cities fund what they need — and what happens when they don’t.
Louise Tong — Executive Director of Sustainability at Infratil, former Chair of INFINZ (Institute of Finance Professionals NZ) and member of Auckland Council’s Treasury Management Steering Group. Brings deep finance experience and a long-term view on how cities stay solvent, invest wisely, and balance ambition with reality.