In a recent interview with Courtney Blazes, Aaron Gilmore, a former Member of Parliament
and a notable figure in Wellington, shared his experiences in politics, his perspective on
the city’s current state, and his thoughts on the future of civic engagement.

A Political Career Marked by Passion and Persistence

Aaron Gilmore’s political journey has been both colorful and challenging. As a former MP
with the National Party, Gilmore made a name for himself, though not without controversy.
He later ran for a seat on the Wellington City Council, motivated by a desire to address
what he saw as significant issues plaguing the city. Reflecting on his candidacy, Gilmore
acknowledged the uphill battle he faced. “When I ran, I knew I was going to get last or first,
and unfortunately, I got second to last,” he admitted with a touch of humor.

Despite the outcome, Gilmore stands by the policies he advocated during his campaign.
Several of his proposals, which were initially met with skepticism, have since gained
traction. He pointed to the Takina Convention Centre as an example, where his views on the council’s involvement have been vindicated. “The irony is four or five of the things that Iran on that got laughed at in that time are now happening,” he noted, underscoring his
belief in the importance of foresight in governance.

Critical Views on Wellington’s Management

Gilmore is deeply concerned about the current state of Wellington’s governance. He
believes that the city is facing serious challenges due to poor decision-making by the
council. One of his primary critiques is the council’s involvement in commercial ventures like the convention center and the airport. “The council should never have actually, should have maybe built it, but then got out of it,” Gilmore argued, highlighting his belief that public funds could be better allocated.
When asked about selling other city assets, such as the zoo, Gilmore’s response was
nuanced. Having volunteered at the zoo for two years, he expressed a personal connection to it and opposed the idea of selling it. However, he suggested that selling less critical assets, like golf courses, might be more practical, indicating his approach to asset
management as one that balances civic responsibility with fiscal pragmatism.

Balancing Personal and Civic Responsibilities

Currently, Gilmore manages $100 million in property assets, a role that he balances
alongside his family commitments. He shared that his life is full of responsibilities, from
overseeing property developments to spending quality time with his family. “I’ve got way
more important things to do in my life,” he reflected, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what matters most.
Despite his busy schedule, Gilmore remains engaged with the local community. He
mentioned enjoying dinners at local eateries, with Oikos and Canning being among his
favorites for intimate evenings out with his wife. His daughter’s love for chicken satays at
Napa Otai also made a light-hearted appearance in the conversation, showcasing his
connection to Wellington’s local culture.

Looking Toward Wellington’s Future

Though Gilmore remains uncertain about re-entering politics, his passion for Wellington’s
development is undeniable. He stressed the need for strong leadership, creativity, and
capital to drive the city’s progress. Drawing a parallel with Christchurch’s post-earthquake
recovery, he pointed out that with the right vision and commitment, significant
improvements could be made in Wellington.
As the interview wrapped up, it was clear that while Aaron Gilmore may not be actively
seeking a return to the political arena, his insights and dedication to Wellington continue to
shape his engagement with the city. Whether he decides to step back into politics or not,
his commitment to Wellington’s future remains a central part of his life, reflecting his
ongoing desire to see the city thrive