[15] Former councillor Bryan Weyburne and local businessman Digby Paape accepted Sprey's offer and formed the Wellington First Party which would focus on transportation issues and was critical of the amounts of ratepayer money spent on cycle ways.

Incumbent Mayor Justin Lester launched his re-election campaign in March at the Te Wharewaka function centre to a crowd of supporters and Labour Party faithful.

He announced a series of promises for his second term including removing private vehicle access to Wellington City's golden mile which encompasses Lambton Quay, Willis Street and Courtenay Place.

Other policies proposed by Lester included ending homelessness by increasing supported living units and establishing a 'Welcome Home' package for refugees which would grant new arrivals to the city free access to council facilities.

Lester and other Labour Party representatives voiced opposition to the proposals, saying the city's green town belt needed protecting.

[19] Hill launched a series of policies including a switch to land value-based rates, establishing light rail and cancelling council funding for airport runway extensions and convention centres.

[20][4] Andy Foster, a councilor since 1992, made his bid for the mayoralty later than most with the support of director Peter Jackson, who was opposed to the proposed development at Shelly Bay which included plans for new housing and retail space.

Wade-Brown, Blumsky and Kerry Prendergast (2001–2010) identified a poor transport system, uncertainty around infrastructure projects and traffic as the primary issues hurting Wellington's reputation.

Justin Lester, Conor Hill and Norbert Hausberg were all recommended as potential 'progressive' mayors while it was urged that Jenny Condie and Andy Foster be ranked last by voters.