Karl Tiefenbacher
Official Candidate Biography
I am a lifelong Wellingtonian who, following a successful 18-year career in the financial markets, established my own business (Kaffee Eis) which I have run and expanded successfully over the last 20 years.
I am driven by the desire to see Wellington regain its positivity and to create an environment where Wellingtonians can not only survive but can also thrive.
Having lived in the Eastern Ward, that I love and called home for over 15 years, I want to see it continue to shine with rates that are affordable. As your councillor, I will listen to your concerns, be accessible and work on your behalf to ensure your communities needs are given the attention they deserve.
I have the determination, business and financial acumen to rebuild confidence and pride in our city by ensuring the council delivers the basics well and earns our trust.
Wellington - It’s Time for better!
Connect with Karl Tiefenbacher
Karl Tiefenbacher’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 3 races — 1 elected 2 not elected
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Final Not elected
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Motukairangi/Eastern General WardWellington City CouncilAffiliation: IndependentFinal Elected
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Pukehīnau/Lambton General WardWellington City CouncilAffiliation: IndependentFinal Not elected
Offices held
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Motukairangi/Eastern General WardWellington City CouncilAffiliation: IndependentOct 2025 – present
In the News
Windbag: An obituary for Vision for Wellington
The Spinoff — September 30, 2025The political super-group presented its final ‘vision’ for the city, but is anyone still listening?
Mayoralty schmayoralty: these ward races will decide Wellington’s future
The Spinoff — September 24, 2025Barring a major upset, polling suggests Andrew Little will win the capital’s mayoral chains with relative ease. But the type of council he will lead is still up in the air. Andrew Little must be feeling pretty good right now. A recent Q+A Verian poll gave him a commanding lead in the race to be Wellington’s next mayor, with 58% of first-choice votes, way ahead of second-placed candidate Ray Chung on 16%.
The Post mayoral debate: Spotlight on the big four
The Post — September 17, 2025Leading contenders Andrew Little, Karl Tiefenbacher, Diane Calvert and Ray Chung will be grilled by The Post national affairs editor Andrea Vance in a live debate at 3pm today.
Weary candidates and parroting party lines – but who’s ready to lead?
The Post — September 11, 2025ANALYSIS: At last night’s debate, Ray Chung stood out – not for fresh ideas, but for repeating his well-worn talking points. Karl Tiefenbacher earned dubious martyrdom, while Andrew Little and Diane Calvert showed they knew their audience.
The Debate for Business: Spotlight on top Wellington mayoral candidates
The Post — September 10, 2025The Post and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce will tonight bring you live coverage of a debate featuring Alex Baker, Andrew Little, Karl Tiefenbacher, Diane Calvert and Ray Chung.
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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.