In what is probably the largest shakeup to Wellington city council in many years, we have a new mayor and several new Councillors creating a political pack that is significantly more diverse […]
WCC Election: Heading for a terrible voter turnout

Barring a minor miracle, it looks like the voter turnout in Wellington is going to be the lowest in many, many years. Frankly, if we make a 35% return total, I would […]
WCC Elections: Current Councillor Scorecard; in which I judge people and make up numbers based on wild flights of fancy

I swore I wasn’t going to do one this time around; however I’ve been reading a few over the last week and given some of their wild scoring I am quite sure […]
WCC Elections; Kiwiblog Analysis of Mayoral Candidates and Ward Competitors
In the last two days Kiwiblog has published full analysis of the Mayoral Candidates and all Ward Candidates across Wellington, which make for excellent reading. There are nine candidates standing for Wellington Mayor […]
WCC Elections: Grandstanding on Climate Change rather than actionable adaptation plans, do candidates get it?

My grandfather, Don Ramage, survived World War II to continue life as an artist who also had a great passion for rugby. His world view, expressed through his art, was very concerned […]
WCC Elections Promises Promises on Transport; the policy so far is boring, and makes me channel my angry old man

“As the avenues and streets of a city are nothing less than its arteries and veins, we may well ask what doctor would venture to promise bodily health if he knew that […]
Andy vs Justin; Part II; I unleash artificial intelligence to analyse the candidates faces and make a bold prediction

If you are reading these articles, then you are a political junkie on some level, have an interest in local politics, and are far more likely to vote on what you research […]
Andy vs Justin: Part I; Progress vs Patriotism

We also needed vast quantities of ice and rum – and a satchel of brain-rattling drugs for those who wanted to finish the campaign on the highest possible note, regardless of the […]
The Mayoral Race; First predictions, four non-starters, three near-misses, two titans on the cusp

With just a few weeks until voting starts, there is no clear picture of who will take the Mayoral chains. While Justin Lester has key advantages, other contenders could help to topple […]
Explaining the Single Transferable Vote System (hopefully I get it right this time)

OK ok ok! You can all stop shouting at me now after my recent incorrect commentary on how STV works. I’ve gone away and talked with someone who has put me straight. […]