Rainbow Wellington Mayoral Candidate Forum (2025)

The Rainbow Wellington Mayoral Candidate Forum took place on 24 September 2025 at Engineering New Zealand on Taranaki Street. Six candidates—Rob Goulden, Andrew Little, Alex Baker, Karl Tiefenbacher, Kelvin Hastie and Diane Calvert—took part, with Rainbow Wellington hosting. The focus of the evening was the Wellington Rainbow Action Plan and how the city can better support rainbow communities.

The event opened with introductions woven into the first question: what action would each candidate take to implement the Rainbow Action Plan? Goulden, drawing on his policing and security background, emphasised city safety and treating rainbow communities the same as all Wellingtonians. Little, a lawyer and former MP, promised to back rainbow events like the Pride Parade and ensure council remains a strong advocate. Baker, who has a background in sustainability and investment, highlighted safety as the key issue and linked it to broader city strategies. Tiefenbacher, a café owner, said KPIs and consistent engagement would help keep the plan on track. Hastie focused on a well-lit, patrolled “safe path” through the city. Calvert, the only current councillor, noted her involvement in signing off the plan and emphasised gender-neutral facilities and quick graffiti removal as practical measures.

The second round of questions dealt with safety for trans and non-binary people in sport and at council venues. Goulden said all people deserve safe participation in activities. Little stressed inclusive facilities and recognised the global rise in hostility towards trans communities, saying the mayor must also help absorb and defuse hostility. Baker argued leadership is needed to counter hatred and prejudice directly. Tiefenbacher admitted he had not engaged deeply with rainbow sport issues but supported gender-neutral facilities where possible. Hastie suggested community members could help monitor and prevent bullying at events. Calvert pointed to staff training and accreditation as council’s role in ensuring safe spaces.

Candidates were then asked how they had engaged with rainbow groups and how they would continue to do so as mayor. Calvert said her main engagement came through council’s Rainbow Advisory Group. Hastie drew on his community work and argued for arts and cultural festivals to celebrate rainbow life. Tiefenbacher said his everyday conversations at his café kept him connected, and he pushed for a more open, collaborative council. Baker shared a personal story of a friend who felt safer in Wellington than in European cities, but who had still experienced harassment, reinforcing the need for well-resourced community engagement. Little underlined both formal consultation and personal connections. Goulden referenced long friendships in the community as his main point of contact.

The question of becoming patron of Rainbow Wellington produced strong commitments. Goulden said he would be proud to be the best patron yet. Little referred to his parliamentary work on marriage equality and expunging historical convictions as evidence of his long-standing advocacy. Baker said the mayor must call out unacceptable behaviour, not just celebrate. Tiefenbacher and Hastie saw the role as ambassadorial, about respect and promotion of Wellington as the rainbow capital. Calvert was more cautious, pointing to the demands on the mayor’s time but open to the role if possible.

Quickfire questions injected humour. All supported keeping the Rainbow Advisory Panel. Most backed full implementation of the Rainbow Action Plan and all endorsed gender-neutral bathrooms in new facilities. None supported renaming public spaces with colonial or anti-rainbow legacies. All pledged to march in Pride with glitter, and most supported fun ideas like rainbow Metlink cards.

Audience questions probed deeper. One asked about the lack of visible diversity among candidates; Baker argued politics has become unsafe for young women and diverse candidates, while Calvert cited practical barriers like resources. Others maintained that standing is a personal choice, and diversity should be welcomed. Another question on bathroom policies for trans people saw mixed responses: some supportive in principle, others cautious without knowing council’s powers. A light-hearted closing question about same-sex kisses drew laughter, ending the evening on a relaxed note.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Alex Baker Andrew Little Craig Watson Diane Calvert Karl Tiefenbacher Kelvin Hastie Rob Goulden

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