Former headmaster, incumbent Wellington deputy mayor and Lambton Ward councillor Ian McKinnon has a passion for the capital that is unwavering and inextricably linked to the city’s history.

WORKING with a mayor who has been in office for nine years could be intimidating for a councillor, but not for Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon.
McKinnon comes from a family of leaders, and feels that throughout his career he has been a leader on a range of issues and not a follower.
The former headmaster at Wanganui Collegiate School, and Scots College explains.
“I have been a leader all my life. I admire the mayor’s work ethic and her focus on Wellington, but I don’t necessarily agree with her on all issues. We spoke about this when I was elected and we have disagreed on some issues, such as the city wide alcohol ban, and speed limits.”
McKinnon says people need to realise how great a city Wellington is. He is proud of its history and to be the great-great-grandson of well-known local body politician John Plimmer, whose statue decorates Plimmer’s Lane off Lambton Quay.
McKinnon’s election pamphlets contain an image of the statue.
“It’s not perfect but Wellington’s a wonderful and vibrant city because generations of leaders have been constructive.”
It disappoints him when people are negative about the capital.
“It’s very easy to be a critic, but it’s not as easy to find a solution.”
As both deputy mayor and a Lambton Ward councillor, McKinnon describes his job as having a “dual focus”.
“As a city councillor you have to ensure the city is in a secure state going into the long term. My goals for the Lambton Ward are to improve safety, target anti-social behaviour, retain affordability including rates, and have public transport move easily through the city.”
McKinnon says it can be difficult to satisfy everyone, and rates are a particularly controversial issue. He says people need to understand that cost increases hit council hard.
“The average rates increase after allowing for population growth will be 3.4%. The council wishes to maintain services but is subject to a price increase like any other body, and council is often hit at harder as costs move at a higher rate than inflation.”
McKinnon voted to lower the business rating differential, meaning residential rates would be slightly higher.
“Small and medium-sized businesses operate under tight budgets and business represents employment.”
McKinnon went against a council proposal to cut costs by getting rid of Wellington Waterfront Limited.
He believes council-controlled organisations such as Wellington Waterfront Limited have a function when it comes to the future development of the city.
“Council is not arrogant enough to say we can do everything without seeking expert opinion, [but] we still have to sign off on everything and have a representative on every board.”
However water will not be privatised according to McKinnon.
“I don’t support water privatisation. [Jointly council-owned company] Capacity has a three year contract, and that will be up for review at the end of that period.”
McKinnon feels strongly about traffic management, believing pedestrians and cyclists should be encouraged.
“I don’t agree with removing cars as it’s totally unrealistic but we need to encourage people to use public transport by making it efficient, and cost–effective.”
He doesn’t feel the golden mile should be a public transport-only area.
With just one year to go before the Rugby World Cup, McKinnon says the city is well equipped and ready.
“We want visitors to find a vibrant city. Their spending will allow us to invest in the city without burdening ratepayers.”
He adds that the Rugby World Cup Statue is money well spent.
“Peter Jackson and Weta put us on the map and we want to acknowledge that. It will be photographed and seen around the world and will enhance Wellington. It could serve as a rallying point during the world cup.”
Peter Moloney