Ray Chung officially launches his campaign for the Wellington mayoralty tonight, drawing a standing-room-only crowd at the Public Trust Hall in Lambton Quay.
Chung has previously outlined his platform to overhaul Wellington City Council with what he calls “simple, practical solutions” focused on restoring public trust and ending bureaucratic arrogance.
Chung, a sitting city councillor, is running as an Independent and is backed by a slate of like-minded candidates.
He has framed his campaign as a pushback against what he described as an out-of-touch council and council staff.
“I believe Wellington voters have had enough of the arrogance and entitlement that pervades not only many of our elected representatives, but also those who work within the council bureaucracy,” Chung said.
“I want to reinstate true service into council, and put an end to the lip service.”
At the centre of his campaign are five “pillars” he claims will drive economic growth, improve mobility, and prioritise community safety and freedoms. Chung urges participation and voting as critical to bringing about change.
A tweet from advocacy group Better Wellington praised the turnout, noting the event had reached standing-room-only capacity.
Standing room only at Ray Chung’s Mayoral Campaign Launch. pic.twitter.com/uOjHazXWVe
— Better Wellington (@BetterWgtn) June 5, 2025
The pissed off silent majority.
Yeah baby Ray’s got my vote
I’ll give him a go. Good background, similar to my wife’s in telecommunications. He’s dead right about entitlement and arrogance.
Something has to be done to end the absurdity.
Central Government should step on these parasites and call for new elections.