The 2016 Wellington mayoral election was part of the New Zealand local elections and was held on 8 October to determine the next mayor of Wellington. The incumbent was Celia Wade-Brown, who was first elected in the 2010 mayoral election. Wade-Brown did not seek re-election. Her title was pursued by her deputy, Justin Lester, councillors Jo Coughlan, Andy Foster, Helene Ritchie and Nicola Young, former mayor of Porirua City Nick Leggett, and independent candidates Keith Johnson and Johnny Overton.
Lester won the election becoming the 35th Mayor of Wellington, Leggett came second and Coughlan third.
Wade-Brown decided against standing for a third term as mayor. However, eight other candidates sought her position.
Wade-Brown was first elected as a Wellington City Councillor in 1994 and apart from a three-year break served on council until she was elected mayor in the 2010 election. Whilst she has always stood as an independent during her mayoralty, she is generally associated with the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, and The Dominion Post commented that "everything about her shouts 'Green'". On 5 August, Wade-Brown pulled out of the race. Wade-Brown announced her endorsement of Justin Lester as her preferred successor on 2 September.
Several polls were conducted indicating a tight race with Justin Lester, Jo Coughlan and Nick Leggett polling the strongest.
Candidates were also elected from wards to the Wellington City Council.