Ken Laban portrait

Ken Laban

Currently serving: Mayor, Hutt City Council
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

Note: This database contains data from the 2023, 2020, 2017 and 2014 general elections, the 2025 local government election and is gradually being backfilled with other election data.

Contested 2 races — 2 elected

2025 NZ Local Government • October 11, 2025 Local
2022 NZ Local Government • October 8, 2022 Local
  • Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai/Lower Hutt Regional Constituency
    Greater Wellington Regional Council
    Affiliation: Independent
    Final Elected
    Vote share • 24.0%
    7,739 votes
Offices held
  • Mayor
    Hutt City Council
    Oct 2025 – present
  • Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai/Lower Hutt Regional Constituency
    Greater Wellington Regional Council
    Oct 2013 – Oct 2025
  • Wainuiomata Ward
    Hutt City Council
    Oct 2010 – Oct 2013
In the News
Disastrous election turnout leaves few clues about national mood
The Spinoff — October 13, 2025

Both left and right had reasons to celebrate on Saturday – and to worry about deepening voter apathy, writes Catherine McGregor in today’s extract from The Bulletin.

‘A surreal 24 hours’: New faces for both Hutt Valley councils
The Post — October 13, 2025

Peri Zee, at age 33, has toppled one of New Zealand’s longest serving mayors. Down the road, political veteran and Pasifika community leader Ken Laban has secured the vacant chains.

Sports commentator makes history as NZ’s first Pasifika mayor
Stuff — October 12, 2025

Ken Laban has pushed for inclusion across Wellington.

Ken Laban makes history as Pasifika candidates win across Aotearoa
RNZ — October 12, 2025

Fauono Ken Laban's victory in Lower Hutt marks a historic milestone for Pacific representation in local government.

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.

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This database currently contains data from the 2025 local government eleciton, and general elections in 2023, 2020, 2017 and 2014. It is being backfilled with older data. Please get in touch if you want to help.