| Election Name: | 1977 Wellington City mayoral election |
| Country: | New Zealand |
| Flag Image: | Wellington Coat Of Arms.svg |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1974 Wellington City mayoral election |
| Previous Year: | 1974 |
| Next Election: | 1980 Wellington City mayoral election |
| Next Year: | 1980 |
| Election Date: | 8 October 1977 |
| Turnout: | 41,641 (46.88%) |
| Candidate1: | Michael Fowler |
| Party1: | Wellington Citizens' Association |
| Popular Vote1: | 17,041 |
| Percentage1: | 40.92 |
| Candidate2: | Sir Frank Kitts |
| Party2: | New Zealand Labour Party |
| Popular Vote2: | 14,022 |
| Percentage2: | 33.67 |
| Candidate4: | Tony Brunt |
| Party4: | Values Party |
| Popular Vote4: | 7,996 |
| Percentage4: | 19.20 |
| Candidate5: | Carmen |
| Party5: | Independent politician |
| Popular Vote5: | 1,686 |
| Percentage5: | 4.04 |
| Mayor | |
| Before Election: | Michael Fowler |
| After Election: | Michael Fowler |
The 1977 Wellington City mayoral election was part of the New Zealand local elections held that same year. In 1977, election were held for the Mayor of Wellington plus other local government positions including eighteen city councillors. The polling was conducted using the standard first-past-the-post electoral method.
The 1977 mayoralty was notable for the highly publicized candidacy of Carmen Rupe, a transgender drag performer and brothel keeper. With the support of local businessman Bob Jones, who organised her campaign and wrote her speeches, Carmen's campaign utilised the slogans Get in Behind and Carmen for Mayor[1] and campaigned on a platform to legalise gay marriage and brothels, despite neither being local-government matters in New Zealand.[2]
Former mayor Sir Frank Kitts attempted a comeback after losing narrowly three years earlier. His candidature took many by surprise with the press expecting Labour to try and rejuvenate. Local businessman Jim Belich was approached, but he declined for personal reasons.[3] Frank O'Flynn also considered standing, but withdrew in favour of Kitts, though O'Flynn stood on the council ticket and was elected. A Dominion editorial said of Kitts' candidature "No one knew what Frank Kitts did during his three years in the political wilderness and no one knew why he wanted to come back".[4] His support in the mayoral race fell further, though he was again elected to the Wellington Harbour Board where his vote increased.
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