Ken Laban portrait

Ken Laban

Official Candidate Biography

My principal place of residence is in the Hutt City Council area.

I’m the son of Samoan migrants who settled in Wainuiomata, raised to value service, hard work, and community. From policing to sports broadcasting to civic leadership, I’ve built trust across the Hutt Valley.

As Mayor, I’ll lead a Council that listens and acts on what matters. I believe in unity in action - bringing people together across communities, backgrounds, and beliefs to get things done.

It’s clear the Council is doing a lot but like someone who knows how important it is to make every dollar count I’ll undertake a full review of Council spending.

Ensuring we are focused on core infrastructure, bringing down costs where possible, and demonstrate value for money. I’ll also back local businesses and focus on unlocking new funding streams to reduce pressure on ratepayers.

I’ll prioritise safer communities with better lighting, youth spaces, and improved CCTV.

I respectfully ask for your support - www.kenlaban.com

Connect with Ken Laban
Ken Laban’s Elections & Candidacies

Contested 1 race — 0 won 1 pending

2025 NZ Local Government Local
In the News
Sir Ashley Bloomfield backs Ken Laban for Hutt City mayor
NZ Herald — August 22, 2025

Bloomfield praised the candidate's community ties and government experience.

Why league legend Ken Laban wants to be Lower Hutt’s first Pasifika mayor
The Spinoff — August 14, 2025

His family is world famous in Wainuiomata, so it was only fitting that Ken Laban launched his mayoral campaign there, at the marae across the road from his beloved league club. Lyric Waiwiri-Smith headed along.

Gabriel Tupou pushes for Pacific voices in regional politics
Pacific Media Network — July 8, 2025

Lower Hutt’s first Tongan councillor is advocating for climate resilience and community wellbeing amid rising living costs.

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