Struggling to pick between the leading candidates? Maybe their verse will help.  

At the Spinoff Wellington mayoral debate on Thursday night, candidates Paul Eagle, Andy Foster and Tory Whanau shared their views on everything from climate, culture, housing and council unity to whether the city should change its name to Te Whanganui-a-Tara. They also read original poems. In lieu of opening statements, the three were tasked with composing either a limerick or a haiku and reading it aloud.

Here’s what they came up with.

Andy Foster

Honoured to lead the city I love

Got lots done, even though it’s been tough

Fixing pipes, transport deals, providing for housing for all

Supporting the arts, library, St James, Tākina, Town Hall

Let’s work together and get our city on the move.

Paul Eagle

Over poo in streets

flies an Eagle. I’ll fix that,

cries the howling wind.

Tory Whanau

Let down by pale, male and stale

Pipes and buses, an embarrassing fail

Then along came Tory

To make it all hunky dory

Vote Whanau number one and in relief exhale.