Wellington mayoral election 2025

The story so far

Seven candidates stood in Wellington's 2025 mayoral race, and Councillor Diane Calvert confirmed she would run to ensure a woman's voice was included, joining six men including former Labour leader Andrew Little.^{19 Jul 2025} Graham Bloxham withdrew before nominating, citing personal attacks and bullying abuse, and Rob Goulden was banned from future Taxpayers' Union and Generation Screwed Wellington events after a dispute at a Victoria University debate, which he denies.^{29 Jul 2025; 7 Aug 2025} Little led early polling, and a Verian Q+A poll in September gave him 58% of first preference votes after incumbent Tory Whanau withdrew from the race.^{3, 14, 24 Sep 2025} In late October he appointed Ben McNulty, who ran on the Labour ticket with him, as deputy mayor for an 18-month term.^{29 Oct 2025}

Latest

Ahead of his swearing-in, Little outlined early priorities, including reviewing the Golden Mile plan and discussing a supercity-style council for the region.^{30 Oct 2025}

What's next

He intends to review council spending during his first 100 days in office.^{30 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 19 Jul 2025Diane Calvert confirms she will stand, joining six male candidates
2. 29 Jul 2025Graham Bloxham withdraws, citing personal attacks and bullying abuse
3. 7 Aug 2025Rob Goulden banned from future Taxpayers' Union events after debate dispute
4. 3 Sep 2025First known poll shows Andrew Little leading the field
5. 14 Sep 2025Verian poll gives Little 58% of first preference votes
6. 24 Sep 2025Tory Whanau opts to seek a Parliament seat, not re-election
7. 11 Oct 2025Andrew Little wins the Wellington mayoralty with 34,240 votes
8. 29 Oct 2025Ben McNulty named deputy mayor for an 18-month term

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.