The Local - Mt VictoriaMore candidates are announcing their run in the upcoming local body elections. Jane O’Loughlin reports.
Two more candidates have committed to running for the Wellington City Council in the Lambton/Pukehīnau ward and both are former refugees: Hairdresser and television game show personality Teal Mau, and Labour’s Afnan al-Rubaye.
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The will run in the central Wellington ward alongside incumbents Geordie Rogers and Nicola Young, plus former regional and city councillor David Lee.
Hairdresser and business owner Mau was born in Cambodia and came to New Zealand with his family from Vietnam in 1975.
A business owner for nearly 30 years, these days he owns and operates Mau hairdressing on Wakefield Street with partner Sophia Mau.
Unlike al-Rubaye, he is not politically aligned, and believes political parties should not be involved local body politics.
He is worried about the direction the city is taking, and the quality of the decision-making.
Mau believes the council could do better at consulting with the community and business owners before implementing changes that affect them, and making sure ‘more thought’ is put into decisions.
He also wants to see a council that is prepared to listen to each other.
“You know, my thought is that the council need to work together, not against each other. We've been to a few council meetings, and we were disappointed the way they behaved.”
However he doesn’t believe in finger-pointing and blame.
“It doesn't go anywhere. It doesn't solve anything, and it only creates tension.”
One issue that does concern him is council spending.
“You know, it doesn't make any sense, some of the spending... we spend money that we don't have.”
However the main message he wants to get across is that although Wellington is going through a difficult patch, there is ‘still time’ to save the city and restore it to the vibrant place it once was. Mau, turning 60 soon, wants to contribute to this turnaround.
He is hoping that his campaign will benefit from the profile he and Sophia gained from a stint on My Kitchen Rules in 2017 where they came third – an experience that resulted in Woman’s Day coverage of their wedding and ongoing media interest in the quirky couple.
Meanwhile, it’s the second time al-Rubaye has run for council. She was unsuccessful last election but came a close fourth behind incumbent Iona Pannett (who is yet to decide if she will run again).
The Labour candidate describes herself as a public servant with a background in NGOs and grassroots community organising.
“I came to Wellington as a refugee, grew up in public housing, and now rent in the heart of the city. Because of those experiences I stand for inclusive, community-led change.
"We need a city built for people, with communities shaping decisions, not just responding to them."
She was committed to “creating a city where young people can build their futures—with good jobs, affordable housing, and opportunities to thrive”.
Nominations for local body elections open on Friday 4 July 2025 and must be received by 12 noon on Friday 1 August 2025.
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