A Quiet Endorsement: Sir Ashley Bloomfield Supports Ken Laban’s Mayoral Bid in Hutt City

Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 2:51 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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The political landscape of Lower Hutt is experiencing a subtle shift as former Director-General of Health, Sir Ashley Bloomfield, has publicly voiced his support for Ken Laban's campaign to become the city’s mayor. This endorsement, while not a full-blown rally cry, carries significant weight given Bloomfield’s recent high profile and reputation for integrity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The news comes as Hutt City Council faces ongoing challenges related to financial stability, infrastructure deficits, and community engagement – issues Laban has pledged to address with a focus on pragmatic solutions and collaborative leadership.

Ken Laban, currently a Wellington Water board member and former senior manager at Meridian Energy, is running against incumbent Mayor Rebecca Swain. Swain, who took over the mayoral role in 2021 following the resignation of John Carter, faces criticism regarding the council’s handling of debt and its response to infrastructure failures, particularly concerning the city's aging water network. The recent independent review highlighting significant financial mismanagement within the council has further intensified scrutiny on her leadership.

Sir Ashley Bloomfield’s backing for Laban isn’t a boisterous declaration; it’s described as a “quiet endorsement” delivered during a recent community event. He reportedly expressed his belief in Laban's ability to lead Hutt City through its current difficulties, emphasizing the importance of strong financial management and transparent governance. While Bloomfield refrained from directly criticizing Swain or her administration, his support for Laban implicitly suggests he believes Laban offers a more suitable path forward.

The timing of this endorsement is particularly noteworthy. The Hutt City Council has been grappling with a substantial debt burden, estimated at over $200 million. This financial strain has limited the council’s ability to invest in essential infrastructure upgrades and community services. A recent report commissioned by the council revealed significant shortcomings in its financial planning and oversight, prompting calls for greater accountability and improved decision-making processes. Laban's campaign platform heavily emphasizes fiscal responsibility and a commitment to restoring public trust through transparent budgeting and rigorous financial controls. He has proposed a comprehensive review of all council spending and a focus on identifying efficiencies and cost savings.

Beyond the immediate financial concerns, Hutt City faces challenges related to its aging infrastructure. The city’s water network, in particular, has been plagued by leaks, bursts, and contamination issues, leading to disruptions for residents and significant costs for repairs. The Wellington Water partnership, which oversees the region's three city councils (Hutt City, Upper Hutt City, and Porirua City), has come under intense scrutiny following these incidents. Laban’s experience within Wellington Water positions him uniquely to understand the complexities of this relationship and advocate for improvements in service delivery and infrastructure management. He has pledged to work collaboratively with Wellington Water while also holding them accountable for their performance.

Laban's campaign is built on a foundation of practical solutions and collaborative leadership. He advocates for engaging directly with residents, businesses, and community groups to develop strategies that address local needs and priorities. This approach contrasts with Swain’s more centralized decision-making style, which has drawn criticism from some quarters. Swain’s supporters argue she has been working diligently to stabilize the council's finances and implement necessary reforms, but acknowledge the challenges are significant.

The endorsement of Sir Ashley Bloomfield adds a layer of credibility to Laban’s campaign, particularly among voters who value expertise and integrity. While Bloomfield maintains he is not actively involved in campaigning, his public support provides a boost to Laban’s profile and reinforces his message of responsible leadership. It also serves as a subtle commentary on the current state of affairs within Hutt City Council, suggesting that a fresh perspective and a commitment to sound financial management are urgently needed.

The mayoral election is scheduled for October 8th, and the race promises to be closely contested. While Swain has experience in local government, Laban’s endorsement from a figure as respected as Sir Ashley Bloomfield could prove pivotal in swaying undecided voters and ultimately determining the future direction of Hutt City. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the city's financial stability, infrastructure development, and overall quality of life for its residents. The focus now shifts to how both candidates will address the pressing issues facing Hutt City and convince voters that they are best equipped to lead the council through these challenging times.

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A Quiet Endorsement: Sir Ashley Bloomfield Supports Ken Laban’s Mayoral Bid in Hutt City