Thousands of Wellingtonians back bold new vision for the capital
MEDIA RELEASE
Wellingtonians believe the city is at a crossroads and will continue to decline unless bold action is taken, according to new independent research and a community-led vision for the city.
The vision is the culmination of six months of conversations with thousands of residents — through public panel events, online input, and direct engagement. An independent survey of 500 Wellingtonians, conducted by Verian Group, confirmed the vision and recommendations.
“Wellingtonians have been clear and consistent,” said Vision for Wellington spokesperson, Luke Pierson. “People are worried about cost of living pressures, about safety, and about whether the city is heading in the right direction. But they’ve also shown huge energy and ambition for what Wellington could be.”
The vision pulls no punches about Wellington’s current problems and offers pragmatic and innovative solutions to turn the capital around.
According to the Verian research, 61% of residents believe the city is deteriorating. The top priorities identified were maintaining and renewing core infrastructure (93%), safety in the city and neighbourhoods (88%), and affordability (86%). Trust in governance also rated highly, with 82% of Wellingtonians wanting stronger leadership and accountability.
Luke Pierson said the vision reflects both the frustrations and the aspirations of Wellingtonians:
“This isn’t theory. It’s what Wellingtonians themselves have said needs to happen. They want a city that’s affordable, safe, vibrant, and ambitious — a city that makes it easier to do business, restores pride in the centre, and looks after people and place.”
The vision sets out six bold actions to shift the city’s trajectory:
A city that listens – so that the collapse in trust in the city’s leadership and governance is fixed
Back in business – an unwavering focus on economic growth and business success which lifts the quality of life for all of its residents
A compassionate capital – creating a safe, fair and welcoming city for everyone
Restoring the beating heart of the city – reviving Wellington’s central city by making it safe, easy and enjoyable to visit
Become the biodiversity capital of the world – being globally distinctive by restoring the city’s natural environment
Celebrate Wellington’s wild side – turning the city’s dramatic weather and surroundings into a symbol of the city’s energy and developing experiences that embrace them
Among these, Wellingtonians rated Back in Business and Restore the Beating Heart of the City as the top priorities — reflecting a clear desire for tangible change: a stronger economy and a revitalised central city.
Each bold action is supported by specific, pragmatic steps that can be taken immediately.
“This is Wellingtonians’ vision, shaped by thousands of voices and grounded in independent research,” Luke Pierson said. “The next step is for candidates and elected leaders to engage with it seriously, and for the community to keep holding them to account. Change will only happen if Wellingtonians keep pushing for it — just as they’ve already done by creating this vision together.”
ENDS
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