Phil Mauger Announces Bid for Re-Election as Christchurch City Mayor
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger today announced he will seek re-election in October's local government elections, vowing to keep rate increases as low as possible while driving continued progress for the city.
Launching his campaign under the slogan "Delivering Today for a Better Tomorrow," Mauger highlighted a focus on continuing to deliver practical results now, while planning for Christchurch's long-term and prosperous growth.
“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.
“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.”
Christchurch is moving in a positive direction with Mauger pointing to rising consumer confidence, improving business outlooks, and a thriving investment climate as proof of the city's momentum.
"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," Mauger said.
“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.
"We’ve got exciting new sectors like aerospace and hydrogen calling Christchurch home, alongside world-class tech and innovation companies doing incredible work. This growth means more opportunities, better jobs, and a bright future for our young people.”
Mauger also celebrated Christchurch's thriving cultural and hospitality scene, “Being dubbed New Zealand’s 'capital of cool' reflects the energy here. Our arts and music sectors are booming, with collaboration and creativity driving incredible outcomes. Events like Electric Avenue, which Council supports, are growing year-on-year. This year, it’s expanding to two days and has already sold out—injecting $6.5 million into our economy."
Under Mauger's leadership, Christchurch has achieved significant progress in water infrastructure projects. Key accomplishments include retaining ownership of the city's three waters and upgrading and relocating the Organics Processing Plant.
Also under Mauger’s leadership the Council’s settled its $85 million insurance claim after a fire at the Bromley Wastewater Treatment Plant. This meant a new wastewater plant with emissions-reducing infrastructure designed to future-proof the city, and fix the long standing odour issues, will be built.
Another key project, One New Zealand at Te Kaha Stadium, remains 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 reiterated his focus on core services, including road and footpath maintenance. He highlighted the success of the newly established roving maintenance crew, one of his last election promises. “The footpath teams have targeted safety issues, repaired small sections, and addressed vegetation overgrowth without requiring significant traffic management – this is working much more efficiently than in the past.”
Mauger emphasised his ability to work across political lines and lead a stable council – however he is running as an independent candidate and rejects party politics in local government.
He 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.
“I’m asking the people of Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula to re-elect me as Mayor and trust that I will continue to work hard for them to make Christchurch and the Peninsula an even better place to live, work and play.
Mauger’s vision is clear: a city that thrives today while laying strong foundations for future generations.
Mauger focus
Building on his track record, Mauger's campaign focuses on six key priorities designed to address the city's most pressing needs and future challenges:
Make rates affordable
Lead a stable council
Deliver essential services well
Protect and enhance our environment
Future-proof our water infrastructure
Complete major infrastructure projects on time
Make Rates Affordable
“The rates increases include costs that council cannot influence – these are 3.64% for inflation, 1.75% for Te Kaha stadium and 2.7% for interest and loan repayments.
“As a community we need to have a conversation about what are the must haves and then what we could change to save money. Our Draft Annual Plan comes out for consultation in February, and we need to hear from our ratepayers about what is important, after all it is their money we are spending,” says Phil Mauger.
Lead a stable council
“While I can work across all political persuasions, and I have shown this by leading a stable council the past two years, I firmly believe that local government should focus on what is best for the community and not party agendas. The decisions Councillors make should not be influenced by having to vote a certain party way—this is not always in the best interests of ratepayers."
Deliver essential services well
“I was pleased that after raising the funding for the Pages Road bridge works with the Transport Minister at every opportunity, the government will help fund the works. The bridge suffered significant damage in the earthquakes and is a key lifeline to New Brighton. The Council had already planned to deliver this in our Long Term Plan, but to get Government funding towards it saves Christchurch ratepayers money and makes a huge difference,” says Phil Mauger.
Protect and enhance our environment
“As part of the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan, our focus is to build a climate-resistant Canterbury through collaboration between local councils, iwi, communities and businesses.
"The 10 key climate actions for the next three years include understanding climate risks, improving resilience, reducing emissions, supporting adaptation planning, and promoting nature-based solutions."
Future-proof our water infrastructure
“The news that the demolition of the trickling filters is getting underway at the Bromley wastewater plant is great for Christchurch. This has been a long time coming for the local community
"The demolition of the trickling filters marks an exciting stage in addressing long-standing odour issues. The new activated sludge reactor will reduce emissions and can be scaled up efficiently to meet future population growth.
“A large portion of the cost has been covered by the insurance settled and the balance has been budgeted for in the Long Term Plan.”
Complete Major Infrastructure Projects on Time
“Besides the completion of Te Kaha and the Bromley Wastewater Plant both scheduled to be complete in 2026, we are working in partnership with the Court Theatre to build the theatre’s new central city home which will open later this year.
“The Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre the new indoor sport and aquatic centre built by the Government but operated by Council, will be the largest aquatic and indoor recreation and leisure venue of its kind in New Zealand, accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It is expected to open in 2026.
“All of these projects will help create a better tomorrow,” says Phil Mauger.