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Sir Ashley Bloomfield has entered the political fray, throwing his support behind a mayoral candidate in his Lower Hutt community.
In a video message, the former Director General of Health said he’s backing former sportsman turned local politician Ken Laban for the Hutt City mayoralty.
“I’ve known Ken for quitea while, he was a great support for me when I was chief executive at the DHB, he was one of our board members, he is an experienced regional government councillor,” Bloomfield said.
He said Laban is deeply connected to the Hutt community with a strong track record.
“I think he’ll be a great mayor for the Hutt,” Bloomfield said.
Bloomfield became a household name when fronting the Government’s daily press conferences during Covid lockdowns alongside then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
He stepped down as director general in July 2022 after four years in the role.
He now works as a professor at Auckland University’s School of Population Health as well as being CEO at Government-owned health research organisation PHF Science.
In a post on his Facebook page, Laban said he is “humbled to have the support of Sir Ashley”.
Ken Laban is running for the Lower Hutt mayoralty. Photo / Supplied.
“It means a lot to have the backing of someone who has led with calm, integrity, and vision through some of our toughest times”, Laban said.
He said the pair have worked closely together in the health space over the years and are “both committed to healthier communities, stronger services, and supporting families across the Hutt”.
Laban announced earlier this year he is running for the Hutt mayoralty. He has served on the Greater Wellington Regional Council since 2013.
He previously ran for the mayoralty in 2007 but lost.
The former police officer has also worked as a sports commentator, rugby league player and coach.
Laban is running against current Hutt City councillors Brady Dyer and Karen Morgan, and consultant Prabha Ravi.
Ethan Manera is a New Zealand Herald journalist based in Wellington. He joined NZME in 2023 as a broadcast journalist with Newstalk ZB and is interested in local issues, politics, and property in the capital. He can be emailed at ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz.
