Wellington LIVE has become more than just a brand. Over time, it has grown into a living, breathing reflection of our community—its hopes, challenges, and conversations. However, as the platform evolved, so did perceptions. Some have tried to paint it, and myself by extension, with a hard-right brush. This isn’t just wrong—it’s damaging. With the help of AI tools and digital transparency, we can now see more clearly who is behind such narratives and why they are being pushed.

Last week marked a troubling low. While dining with Greg at a Wellington restaurant, we were subjected to 45 minutes of verbal abuse. Two individuals made death threats—one directed at me, two at Greg. Being called a white supremacist and a racist during that ordeal was not just hurtful, it was false. For those who know me, such labels could not be further from the truth. I have always stood for kindness, honesty, generosity, and loyalty. But I also stand firm in what I believe. That has never changed.

The incident was deeply unsettling, yet it brought with it a sense of calm clarity. It reminded me of why I take on hard challenges, even when they become personal. What happened that night was serious. It crossed lines, both moral and legal. Sharing this with my team and close circle felt necessary—not for sympathy, but for honesty. Transparency matters.

This journey has made me reflect more deeply on who we are as a platform and who I am as a person. I’ve never claimed to be the perfect leader or candidate. But I do believe that I am the people’s candidate. The support we’ve built has come not from slick campaigns but from listening, learning, and engaging with real people. That’s where the heart of Wellington lies.

In Wellington, 70% of voters lean left—be it Green, Labour, or other centre-left movements. That leaves around three in ten voters who sit on the centre-right. For Wellington LIVE to be perceived as right-leaning means we might not be fully reflecting our wider community. A trusted and thoughtful advisor shared this insight with me, and it hit home. That’s why I’ve chosen to act on it.

I’m no longer the owner of ONENETWORK WL. That shift has allowed me to hear from others in the wider group. They agree with the need to reset our direction—to better reflect the diversity of views, cultures, and experiences across Wellington. Our audience is 76% female, and we must ensure their voices and concerns are part of our platform’s core.

Despite stronger engagement on our other 33 pages, Wellington LIVE remains central. It’s rich with conversation, full of life, and represents a cross-section of this vibrant city. So, going forward, we are opening our doors wider than ever. We welcome stories from every part of the political and social spectrum—left, right, centre, hard left—so long as they do not harm mental wellbeing or fuel division.

Balance matters more than bias. Education should stand taller than opinion. Community feedback must lead us, not the loudest voices. TE WHARE TAPA WHA—wellbeing of the whole—guides our approach. We aim to be genuine, present, and fair.

Every comment, every piece of feedback matters, unless it threatens or harms. Disagreement is welcome; violence is not. Our mission is to grow, adapt, and represent this city honestly.

The past week has tested me. But it has also strengthened my resolve. This is not just about running a brand or engaging an audience. It’s about standing for truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about leading with integrity, even in the face of hate.

So here we are—still standing, still listening, and more committed than ever to being a platform for everyone. Not perfect, but real. Not above criticism, but open to it. And always, always rooted in the community that made us who we are.

By
Graham Bloxham