Shopping for the ladies and sports for the blokes - mayoral hopeful John Morrison is coming under fire for sexism after a series of personally addressed letters were sent to residents throughout Wellington.

The letter sent to male voters details his political achievements and plans in the sporting arena, describing him as a "decisive leader". It lists artificial pitches, a new cricket pavilion and sports fixtures among his achievements.

The letter sent to women talks of creating a future for "our children and grandchildren" and lists heritage buildings as a priority. It also says Mr Morrison would create "places to park in the CBD for a spot of shopping, restaurant or theatre without getting pounced on by traffic wardens".

"Unbelievable," tweeted one Wellington woman. "Wgtn mayoral candidate sent 2 letters to our house. 1 for male is all about sports. 1 for female on more parking 4 shopping. Definitely not voting for that sexist candidate."

Fellow mayoral contender Jack Yan has also weighed in, saying the marketing strategy was "another reminder of why we need a break from 20th-century thinking and need a mayor with 21st- century thinking".

But Mr Morrison has defended the letters, saying they were drafted as a result of surveys that had gender as a variable.

"I'm not denying that, I'm just struggling to know why you are making an issue of it. The survey showed interest in different areas. It's not to say men like sports or others aren't interested in sports . . . the letters were created from the surveys. To suggest anything else is quite extraordinary."