My Policies

Hellen_Swales
Aug 29
6 min read

Updated: Aug 30

Upper Hutt, 30st August 2025

.Authorised by Hellen Swales - hellenformayor@gmail.com

Introduction

Kia ora, I am Hellen. As a candidate for the Mayor of Upper Hutt, I am dedicated to representing the voices and interests of the community. With a focus on transparency and accountability, my goal is to bring positive change and progress to Upper Hutt.

My vision is engagement with the community, listening to its concerns, and uniting to build a more inclusive Upper Hutt.

We have an outstanding natural environment, leisure and recreational opportunities. We are a great place for families to live, work, and play.

My values are integrity, empathy, and honesty, and are grounded in a strong sense of duty, which drives my dedication to serving the community, fostering positive relationships, and contributing to a healthy and inclusive society.

My Reset of our Council

Building Together

I will lead the development of the council’s plans, policies, and budgets with consultation with the community and consideration by the council members.

Open Communication

I will ensure our council has a focus on value for money in the services it delivers, demonstrating this through clear communication with the community.

Empower council to build thriving, resilient communities.

I will secure the council's long-term financial sustainability by managing its debt, funding only essential services, and limiting non-essential projects.

We can do better.

I will ensure the council responds to the community’s priorities and concerns by acting on the Community Survey results and sharing our improvement plans.

Be true to our word and follow through with actions.

I will build community trust in the council by reassessing our communication strategies and channels to enhance engagement through focus groups on our economy, our environment, and upcoming legislation.

Achieving goals, meeting targets, and demonstrating tangible results.

I will establish Key Performance Indicators for our Councillors and our Chief Executive which will be reviewed annually and then shared with the community

My Local Democracy Policies

Go beyond the Council Chambers by hosting pop-up engagement sessions in town halls, the mall, libraries, markets, and sports events.
Establish focus groups of community leaders, businesses, developers, youth/ schools, and ethnic groups to provide input to policy development.
Support the current partnerships with Hikoikoi Management Limited, Wellington Tenths Trust, and Palmerston North Māori Reserve Trust.

My Rates and Revenue Policies

Drive the rates review that the council will undergo in 2026.
Ensure that rates are distributed fairly across residential, rural, commercial, and industrial properties.
Increase revenue from Developer Contributions, either through an update to Upper Hutt council bylaw, or through the government initiative for a development levy, potentially set nationally due in 2026. This would support long-term infrastructure, environmental protection, and community services.
Undertake a line-by-line review of council expenditure with a focus on value for money in the services it delivers, demonstrating this through clear communication with the community. allowing the community to download selected council financial data for offline analysis.
Support initiatives that improve transparency of council expenditure, including the public disclosure of all expenditure items (known as ‘armchair audit’ and ‘open data’).
With central government declaring its intention to introduce rates capping nationally. Upper Hutt will need to consider implications on both impact to ratepayers and councils' finances.
Work with the Wellington Region partner councils to develop and secure a “Regional Deal” to the benefit of Upper Hutt’s ratepayers through additional funding

My Jobs and Economy Policies

Commit to policies making it easier to do business locally, keep spending local, and attract new opportunities for growth and innovation through a CBD Revitalisation Programme.
Commit to collaborating with local initiatives like Chamber of Commerce, and YMCA, offering options for Vocational Employment Pathways.
Commit to well-planned infrastructure to support a thriving Upper Hutt that’s dependable, equable and forward focused.
Work with the Wellington Region partner councils to develop and secure city and “Regional Deal” to the benefit of Upper Hutt’s economy.

My Transport Policies

Actively develop an Integrated Transport Strategy (ITS) to guide the future of our city's transport network.
Key changes option for a Wallaceville Estate and Timberlea bus services.
Implement the ITS to address key challenges of population growth, climate change, the need for sustainable and inclusive transport options.
Lobby NZTA to better distribute funding from the National Land Transport Fund to invest in safer existing and new transport infrastructure as set out in our ITS.
Work with the Wellington Region partner councils to develop and secure a “Regional Deal” to the benefit of transport infrastructure for Upper Hutt

My Utilities and Services Policies

Advocating for affordable Local Water Done Well solutions that benefit our community.
Ensure Metro Water foundation documents met the needs of our community and ensures that it stays in public ownership.
Advocating for a Central government funded Local Water Done Well rebate for those who meet the criteria or in financial hardship. Similar to the current Rates Rebate provided by the Department of Internal Affairs.

My Housing and Planning Policies

Commit to ensuring Upper Hutt has sustainable urban growth while maintaining community, environment, innovation, and resilience.
Commit to supporting 3rd party housing providers (e.g. community organisation) to address homelessness in our city; given this is not a core service for our council.
Commit to identifying future greenfield residential development, including transport, schools/ hospitals, to support our population growth.
Work with the Wellington Regional partner councils to develop and secure a “Regional Deal” to the benefit of Upper Hutt Housing Development.

My Environment Policies

Commit to supporting local organisations in reducing pollution at the source through planting along rivers and streams.
Commit to continuing to support Community-Led Predator Free Action Groups in Upper Hutt like Pest Free Upper Hutt.
Establish recycling capabilities to enable resource recovery that develops an end-of- life product stewardship scheme.
Work with the Wellington Regional partner councils to develop and secure a “Regional Deal” to the benefit of Upper Hutt ratepayers for Recycling and Waste Minimisation.

My Climate Change and Resilience Policies

Review and update, where necessary the Upper Hutt City Council 2020 Sustainability Strategy.
Commit to sustainable water storage on private property as part of new residential builds, along with encouragement for existing dwellings.
Commit to strengthening our community's emergency preparedness and resilience in any disaster response ensuring we protect lives.
Supporting local food production and supply chains: Encouraging community gardens, local farmers’ markets, and initiatives that reduce reliance on long supply chains.
Strengthening emergency food preparedness: Working with local agencies, food banks, and community groups to ensure rapid response in times of crisis.
Building resilience through partnerships: Collaborating with schools, community organisations, and iwi to develop programs that improve food literacy, sustainable practices, and local food security.

My Recreation and Culture policies

Funding the maintenance of our parks, pools, Whirinaki Whare Taonga, libraries, and community halls to support a healthy and caring community.
Supporting a wide range of cultural events and initiatives that celebrate our city's diversity.
Regulate the number and location of liquor and vaping outlets across our city.

Why am I running for election?

I’m running for Mayor of Upper Hutt because this is my home, and I care deeply about the people who live here. Over the years, I’ve seen the incredible strength of our community, and I’ve also seen the challenges we face. My decision to stand comes from a simple belief: leadership is about service, action, and delivering real results for the people you represent.

Now more than ever I believe our city needs strong, experienced, and forward-thinking leadership to navigate the challenges ahead. Upper Hutt is growing, and with that growth comes both opportunities and pressures on housing, infrastructure, transport, and affordability. At the same time, local government is facing unprecedented change from central government reforms, financial constraints, and increasing expectations from our communities.

I want to ensure Upper Hutt remains a safe, connected, and thriving place for everyone. That means making smart financial decisions to keep rates fair, advocating for better transport and services, protecting our environment, and making sure the voices of our residents are heard in every decision we make. I have a proven record of persistence, action, and results whether it’s securing safer transport options for our children, helping our vulnerable residents access support, or standing up on major policy changes that affect our city.

This is about putting people first, planning for the future, and making decisions that strengthen Upper Hutt for generations to come. For me, it’s not about titles; it’s about making a difference where it counts.

Why will I make a good, elected representative?

I am very familiar with being the voice of the community locally, nationally, and internationally. I am often around the council table, questioning and being a voice with integrity for our community and our businesses. I have strong governance experience and understanding of the community and Local Government.

I work collaboratively, I do my homework, and I’m not afraid to ask the hard questions at the council table. Above all, I believe in honesty, accountability, and putting the community first in every decision.

I’m proud to have served the community in council for 15 years, 6 of these as your Deputy Mayor. Throughout this journey, I’ve been a passionate advocate for our city’s stunning natural environment and rich recreational opportunities. Upper Hutt is a place where families can genuinely live, work, and play. I will continue to help make Upper Hutt affordable into the future in shaping this vision.

As these are policy statements, please feel free to contact me to discuss further.

The change we need, The voice you deserve.

Authorised by Hellen Swales: hellenformayor@gmail.com