Election Name: | 1929 Wellington City mayoral election |
Country: | New Zealand |
Flag Image: | Wellington Coat Of Arms.svg |
Type: | Presidential |
Ongoing: | no |
Previous Election: | 1927 Wellington City mayoral election |
Previous Year: | 1927 |
Next Election: | 1931 Wellington City mayoral election |
Next Year: | 1931 |
Election Date: | 1 May 1929 |
Turnout: | 23,884 (51.55%) |
Candidate1: | George Troup |
Party1: | Civic League |
Popular Vote1: | 14,528 |
Percentage1: | 60.82 |
Candidate2: | Walter Nash |
Party2: | New Zealand Labour Party |
Popular Vote2: | 9,142 |
Percentage2: | 38.27 |
Mayor | |
Before Election: | George Troup |
After Election: | George Troup |
The 1929 Wellington City mayoral election was part of the New Zealand local elections held that same year. In 1929, elections were held for the Mayor of Wellington plus other local government positions including fifteen councillors. The polling was conducted using the standard first-past-the-post electoral method.
George Troup, the incumbent Mayor, was re-elected to office as Mayor of Wellington, defeating Walter Nash who was his sole opponent.
The Civic League campaign featured support for the Kelburn viaduct project, imposing user pays charges for some city services (such as admittance to the Wellington Zoo) and limiting rates increases.[1] Troup defended his record as mayor. While welcoming scrutiny he stated that much criticisms of the council had been unjust. He stated financial loans had been successful and led to the completion of many public works. Troup downplayed the city's role in dealing with unemployment stating the main responsibility lay with the government.[2] The Labour Party campaigned on increasing the sealing of footpath and streets and the city actively providing relief work to the unemployed.[3] Nash criticised the new rating system on unimproved value. He stated that additional rates collected in the suburbs had resulted in no improvement in suburban infrastructure, with the money instead spent in the central city. He called for the council to immediately reduce electricity prices by one penny per unit, claiming the electricity department would still make a profit. He also said the council should carry its own fire and accident insurance.[4]