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The Local - Mt Victoria

Created: Fri 26 Jan 2024, 01:10 pm

If you’re a Mount Victoria resident you can vote in the Wellington City Council by-election for Pukehīnau/Lambton ward.

The by-election is being held to replace Tamatha Paul who vacated the seat following her successful campaign in the General Election to become the MP for Wellington Central.

There is strong interest in the race, as it has the potential to shift the balance of power on council. Voting on the current council is often sharply divided between the Labour and and Green councillors along with Mayor Tory Whanau on one side, and the ‘independents’ on the other.

Pundits are picking the main battle to be between Green Party candidate Geordie Rogers and independent candidate Karl Tiefenbacher.

However there are five other candidates for voters to consider, including Mt Victoria Residents’ Association committee member Ellen Blake – if she were successful it would mean all three Pukehīnau / Lambton councillors would be resident in Mt Victoria (as incumbents Nicola Young and Iona Pannett are both locals).

Three of the seven candidates stood for the position in the last election: Karl Tiefenbacher, Ellen Blake, and Zan Rai Gyaw. They are all running on an independent ticket. Newcomers are Geordie Rogers for the Green Party, and independents Joan Shi, Ed Griffiths, and Peter Wakeman.

The Local asked candidates to let us know a bit about them personally, where they live, and any connections they have to Mt Victoria.

To vote in the by-election, you must be enrolled by 5pm on Friday 16 February 2024. Voting closes noon, 17 February 2024. More information is available on the Wellington City Council website

Karl Tiefenbacher

Independent

About me: I am a born and bred Wellingtonian and was educated at Te Aro school, St. Marks and Wellington College. Having had a successful career in foreign exchange in Wellington for 18 years, I started and expanded Kaffee Eis into the well-known business it is today.

Residence: I live in an apartment in Tennyson Street (Te Aro).

Mount Victoria connection: Living at the base of Mt. Vic is great! My wife and I often walk over the hill to the Bay in the evenings....fresh air and great views is fantastic for the soul!

Find out more:

Facebook: Karl Tiefenbacher 4 Pukehīnau / Lambton Ward

Zan Rai Gyaw

Independent

About me: I’m originally from Myanmar and came to New Zealand in 2001 to study a 2-year Mechanical Diploma in Auckland. I spent close to 4 years in Auckland and 3 years in Hawkes Bay, working in air conditioning and home ventilation services.

I finally moved to Wellington in 2008 and have been here ever since. I currently work for a wool yarn factory in Lower Hutt.

Residence: For the most of my time in Wellington, I had always lived in and around Lambton Ward. I have lived in Kelburn, Highbury and currently in Thorndon.

Mount Victoria connection: Mt. Victoria and the suburb with its character homes together are one thread that makes Wellington unique. On one hand there is the CBD with its high-rise offices and apartments building. On the other is Mt. Vic with its contrasting charm.

I can see that the current and future challenge of Mt. Vic is how it can be quietly vibrant and colourful.

Find out more:

Facebook: Zan R Gyaw https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093151363890

Ellen Blake

Independent

About me: I’ve worked a variety of jobs, both self-employed and for large and small organisations including government policy, and continue working with and leading community groups.

Residence and Mount Victoria connection: I'm a long term resident of Mt Victoria, in fact I was born here and have lived here off and on since then! I've been involved in creche, primary and secondary school in our neighborhood. I am active on the Mt Victoria Residents Association (even better when everyone gets involved) and have run one of the Matairangi bush restoration groups for more than 20 years. This place is home to me with all that means.

Find out more:
email: ellen4council@gmail.com

www.instagram.com/ellen4council/

Twitter/X: @Windynell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellen4council

Geordie Rogers

Green Party

About me: I’ve spent the last few years advocating for and supporting the rights of renters in our beautiful city. When I’m not helping others, or at my day job as a software engineer, you can find me running or cycling around the hills of Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

Residence: I’ve recently been in Island Bay, but my landlord is looking to sell, so I might just be back in the city soon.Mount Victoria connection: When I got my first job in Pōneke my colleagues took me running through the trails of Mt Victoria and I used to take dance classes at EnPoint on Hania St. In my eyes Mt Victoria is the perfect place to get amongst nature without having to leave the city!

Find out more: geordierogers.com

Joan Shi

Independent

About me: I am an immigrant and my two children are first generation New Zealanders. Former roles include international businesswoman, banker, NGOer, full-time mum, IT developer. Current role: Student in Data Science at Victoria University. I enjoy tennis or a quick hike up to Mt Kaukau.

Residence: Khandallah

Mount Victoria connection: I love walking up to Mt Victoria and enjoy the great view on top.

Find out more:

Election video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2PzaB95g6o

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-shi-87a152179/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanshiwellington/

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/joanshiwellington/

Edward Griffiths

Independent

About me: I have lived and worked in Wellington for most of my life. Growing up in York Bay and going to school in Eastbourne, I returned after university to work, finding my passion in adult education. This has been my passion for the past 20 years in many different fields, from supporting the rehabilitation of prisoners to the development of government agencies.

Residence: My two beautiful children have been raised in the centre of the city in an apartment on Cuba street.

Connection with Mt Victoria
I have a great personal connection with Mt Vic. My kids and I love to climb and explore the beautiful tracks. I have frequented the Mt Vic Bowls club and (still!) play rugby for Old Boys University whose clubrooms are in the Cambridge Hotel. The Embassy Theatre is my go to place for watching movies and I've eaten at most of the cool establishments the Mt Vic rightfully prides itself on. Links