Christchurch City Council

Central Ward
The Christchurch City Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 16 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the city). one councillor will be elected from the Central ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Christchurch City Council election.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Create a citizen toolkit to enable greater participation in civic issues and civil defence.

    Trial online voting.

    Use council service centres and libraries to provide basic services like post and banking.

  • Commit to fortnightly public community forums and drop-in sessions for transparency and accountability.

    Advocate for a change in voting methodology in the representation review to implement ranked choice voting in elections and avoid wasted votes.

    Bring services in-house and retain and expand public assets to have more direct control and accountability for council services.

  • Champion Māori, youth and ethnic representation in council decision-making to ensure diverse voices shape the city's future.

    Enhance council operations by improving leadership, transparency, fair staff conditions and efficient, accountable local governance.

    Strengthen community engagement by making consultations accessible, transparent and inclusive for all Christchurch residents.

  • Increase transparency around decision making along with simplification of reports.

    Run council workshops in schools to increase understanding and engagement of the next generation.

  • Open up briefings and become the most open and transparent council in the country.

  • Create a citizen toolkit to enable greater participation in civic issues and civil defence.

    Trial online voting.

    Use council service centres and libraries to provide basic services like post and banking.

  • Commit to fortnightly public community forums and drop-in sessions for transparency and accountability.

    Advocate for a change in voting methodology in the representation review to implement ranked choice voting in elections and avoid wasted votes.

    Bring services in-house and retain and expand public assets to have more direct control and accountability for council services.

  • Champion Māori, youth and ethnic representation in council decision-making to ensure diverse voices shape the city's future.

    Enhance council operations by improving leadership, transparency, fair staff conditions and efficient, accountable local governance.

    Strengthen community engagement by making consultations accessible, transparent and inclusive for all Christchurch residents.

  • Increase transparency around decision making along with simplification of reports.

    Run council workshops in schools to increase understanding and engagement of the next generation.

  • Open up briefings and become the most open and transparent council in the country.