Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says the city is moving in a positive direction. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger will seek another term in office at October's local government election.
Mauger launched his campaign on Monday under the slogan "Delivering Today for a Better Tomorrow," which highlights a focus on continuing to deliver practical results, while planning for Christchurch's long-term and prosperous growth.
Mauger was elected mayor in 2022 but has served on the Christchurch City Council since 2019.
"While our rate increases are some of the lowest in the country, I know that for many people their number one priority from council is keeping rate increases low," he said.
"We need to continue to identify savings without compromising essential services. We've got to continue to look at every way we can to save some money. The last thing we want to do is chop services, so we've got to be very careful about our spending."
The Garden City was moving in a positive direction with consumer confidence on the rise, improved business outlooks and investment into climate, Mauger believed.
"Christchurch is a city on the rise. Last year we were named New Zealand's most vibrant city and the 'capital of cool.' On top of that, Christchurch ranked highest among New Zealand cities in the 2024 Happy City Index.
"Christchurch is proving it's a place where businesses can flourish. We are one of the top five places to invest in New Zealand, the central city is humming, Canterbury University's roll is thriving, we lead the country in delivering housing and we have an enviable lifestyle and awe-inspiring natural environment that people are flocking to."
Mauger said exciting new sectors like aerospace and hydrogen had begun to call Christchurch home, alongside world-class tech and innovation companies.
"This growth means more opportunities, better jobs, and a bright future for our young people."
The city's arts and music sectors were booming, with events like Electric Avenue which had council support and would inject $6.5 million into the local economy this year.
Christchurch had also achieved significant progress in water infrastructure projects, he said.
The council had settled its $85 million insurance claim after a fire at the Bromley Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Another key project, Te Kaha Stadium, remained on budget and on track for completion in April next year.
"These projects are critical for Christchurch's future and are being delivered efficiently and responsibly," he said.
Mauger also highlighted increased transparency in council operations, including council briefings now done in public and reduced use of closed sessions.
"I know climate change is a big issue and we are part of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum which recently launched the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan, a strategy developed by the region's 11 councils to address climate change and build a sustainable, resilient, and low-emissions future.
"We have made good progress, but there is more to achieve - the job isn't done. I'm excited to keep delivering for Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula."
Mauger was in the spotlight over the weekend, moving an abandoned double trailer unit following months of inaction by his council.
The Press reported a resident had complained to the council 20 times about the trailer, which is covered in graffiti, blocking views from their homes for eight months.
The mayor said he read about it, he thought "bugger that" and decided to act.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
