Taking Sustainability as Guiding Principle
CELIA Margaret Wade-Brown is no longer a Mayor of Wellington but her standpoint and contribution is worth noted, particularly on urban development and gender equality. In terms of urban development, Mayor Celia remarked that sustainability should be the guiding principle. She stated that this is closely related to the next generation, saying that “Our children and grandchildren will not thank us if we pass them our problems, putting our short-term comfort first.” Carrying this thought in mind, Mayor Celia, in her early mayorship, envisioned Wellington to be a city that is open, inclusive, frugal, friendly, and sustainable. During her leadership, she worked on making Wellington as a smart city. Her big ideas included building a runway extension at the city’s international airport, a high-tech precinct, an indoor concert venue and a film museum. In relation to gender equality, Mayor Celia strongly encouraged all girls and women who would like to enter politics. She noted the tendency of women and girls to only allow themselves to compete in political affairs once asked. “That’s why I always support and encourage them,” she said. Mayor Celia was the third lady mayor of the city. Wade-Brown served as the 34th Mayor of Wellington City from 2010 until 2016. After serving two terms of mayorship, she did not join the 2016 local election for a third term.