Find out about Fauono Ken Laban, Mayor of Lower Hutt and how you can request a meeting or book him for your next event
Fauono Ken Laban is the Mayor of Lower Hutt and New Zealand’s first Pasifika mayor. Born and raised in Wainuiomata, Ken still lives there today with his wife Donna. A proud son of Samoan migrants who made Wainuiomata home, Ken was raised with the values of service, respect and hard work. Those values have shaped a life of public service, from his early career in the police to decades in broadcasting and civic leadership.
Ken’s leadership is grounded in unity. He believes real results come from teamwork, honesty and listening. His focus is on getting the basics right and investing in the core services people rely on every day.
He is proud to lead one of the most diverse councils in New Zealand’s history. For Ken, diversity is strength. It brings new voices, fresh ideas and deeper understanding.
Partnership and respect sit at the heart of Ken’s approach. He is committed to working alongside mana whenua and all communities to build a city grounded in trust, equity and opportunity. His priorities include supporting local jobs, fair pay for workers, youth development and community safety.
Ken leads with heart. Whether it is on the marae, at the market or on the sidelines of a local game, he is always out connecting with people. As Mayor, he is focused on building confidence in the city’s direction and ensuring Council delivers real value for the people of the Hutt.
Book Fauono Ken Laban for your next event
If you’d like Mayor Ken to attend your next event, fill out this form.
Request a meeting with the Mayor
If you'd like to request a meeting with Mayor Ken, fill out this form.
A member of his team will be in touch as soon as possible.
Mayoral grants and donations
The Mayor’s Office has a small budget that can be used to help support Lower Hutt residents with:
- charity events or projects
- participation in national and international competitions where they are representing Te Awa Kairangi and Aotearoa.
Please note that all applicants must be one of the following:
- a resident of Hutt City
- a group based in Hutt City
- hosting an event in Hutt City.
There are two types of grants you can apply for:
- NZ Representatives and Hutt City Regional Representatives
- Charity events.
Memberships
Hutt City Council - Chair
Chief Executive’s Performance Review – Chair
Strategy, Long Term and Annual Plan Subcommittee - Chair
Connected Communities, Climate and Resilience Committee
Infrastructure and Regulatory Committee
Policy and Performance Committee
Wellington Regional Leadership Committee
Wellington Water Committee – alternate
Tiaki Wai Partners’ Committee (MetroWater) - alternate
Wellington Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Joint Committee
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Metropolitan Group
Long Term Plan/ Annual Plan Working Group - Chair
Major Projects Steering Group
City Centre Business Advisory Group (BAG)
City Leadership Group – Chair
Pecuniary Interests
Elected members must provide details of their pecuniary interests each year. View the register of pecuniary interests.