From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m
Greg O'Connor switches to Wellington City Council
Former Labour MP Greg O'Connor steps into Wellington City Council after his electorate dissolved.
In brief
Former Labour MP Greg O'Connor steps into Wellington City Council after his electorate dissolved. Greg O'Connor, former Labour MP, joins Wellington City Council as independent councillor following his electorate's dissolution. Originally reported by RNZ.
Greg O'Connor's political shift
Former Labour MP Greg O'Connor says his switch to Wellington City Council felt like a natural step after his Ōhariu electorate dissolved.
“it sort of was a natural step to take after the demise of the ohariu electorate”
Replacing Tony Randle
O'Connor will replace Tony Randle as Takapū/Northern general ward councillor after Randle died in August.
O'Connor's background
O'Connor served as Ōhāriu's local MP since 2017 after 40 years in police and the Police Association.
Learning curve ahead
O'Connor says he needs to get the lay of the land before making promises as a new councillor.
“it's all well and good to go in with sort of highfalutin ideas of things you want to demand”
Wellington's challenges
O'Connor says Wellington needs to regain its mojo and has few political friends outside the city.
“wellington hasn't got any friends outside wellington politically especially”
Population growth plan
O'Connor says increasing Wellington regions population will spread rising rates and water bills.
The headline
Greg O'Connor, former Labour MP, joins Wellington City Council as independent councillor following his electorate's dissolution.
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