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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MayorWellington City CouncilAffiliation: IndependentFinal Not electedVote share • 14.2%11,494 votes
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Motukairangi/Eastern General WardWellington City CouncilAffiliation: IndependentFinal ElectedVote share • 18.8%3,665 votes
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Final Not electedVote share • 8.3%1,504 votes
Offices held
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Motukairangi/Eastern General WardWellington City CouncilAffiliation: IndependentOct 2025 – present
In the News
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.
Windbag: Skeletons, vampires, clowns and other notes from the Mt Victoria candidates debate
The Spinoff — September 9, 2025Wellington mayoral candidates and contenders for the Pukehīnau/Lambton ward faced off in an unexpectedly spooky debate on Thursday.
Windbag: Abolishing Thursdays, bulldozing the Johnsonville mall, and other notes from the campaign trail
The Spinoff — September 2, 2025The Wellington mayoral campaign is in full swing, and things are getting weird.
Property mogul backs new runner in Wellington mayoral race
The Post — August 24, 2025High profile philanthropist Sir Mark Dunajtschik endorsed, then ditched Ray Chung in his mayoral bid. Now he’s supporting Chung’s rival, Karl Tiefenbacher.
Andrew Little looks to Auckland to fix Wellington
The Spinoff — August 19, 2025Wellington’s rate of housing construction has plummeted. Mayoral candidate Andrew Little thinks he has the solution – and he’s borrowed some ideas from our biggest city.
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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.