Thank you Christchurch!
Six months ago we launched the campaign on a sunny day in May. The venue was overflowing with people, demonstrating from the very start of our campaign a commitment to running a grassroots people campaign.
Today, six months later, the people of Christchurch have elected Bob Parker as Mayor.
There is a lot you can do and plan for in a campaign - but we didn't expect a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, one of New Zealand's biggest natural disasters, two weeks out from the start of voting. We were faced with a media that gave unprecedented positive media coverage to the incumbent Mayor for days after the initial emergency and need for emergency messages was over.
It changed the Mayoral campaign. We went from a 30 point lead in the polls, to being more than 15 points behind.
We stayed in the running only because we built the biggest grassroots local government campaign this city has seen in 30 years. In the face of the earthquake we were only able to fight back because of you.
The many small donations. The thousands of doors knocked. The more than 19,500 phone calls. The signs on your fences. The 120,000 hand delivered flyers. The sign waving on frosty mornings. You, our 350 volunteers and 1300 Facebook supporters - even in the darkest moments of the campaign your support gave us hope and kept us fighting on.
"The people of Christchurch have voted in record numbers to be more involved in Council decision making and for a more open and transparent Council", said Darel Hall Chairman of The People's Choice 2021. test test test test test test test test test test test test test test test
"Over the last term 2021 councillors and community board members articulated the people's frustration with Council secrecy and poor process which led to poor decisions such as the Henderson bail out, the Ellerslie purchase, and the failed attempt to jack up Council rents 24%".
"We are very pleased to increase The People's Choice 2021 representation from 2 to 4 councillors and retain our community board numbers based on preliminary results.
"The mayoral result shows a majority of people liked Bob Parker's approach to the earthquake but he can take no other comfort or policy mandate from the result. The reasons why Bob Parker was losing the election prior to the earthquake remain true. It is the responsibility of all Councillors and Community Board members to help fix these problems including the decision-making process, debt and financial prudence. We owe it to the people.




Tracey is a dynamic, energetic woman with several years of community involvement. She is willing to stand up for the underdog and speak for those who cannot speak up for themselves.




A board member for three years, Linda has a Community Service Award and is on Keep Christchurch Beautiful and Civil Defence. The environment and safe, happy communities are concerns for her.

Jasmin has strong experience working in the health sector. She is one of our youngest candidates and possesses a vibrant personality and a positive attitude.

Karolin is an educator in the Human Rights Commission, a JP and a current community board member. Concerns are gaps between those who have and do not and the environment.

Islay lives in Linwood. She loves the area and wants to restore the community and environmental values that once had Christchurch residents proud to live here.

Judy is a current Community Board member for the Riccarton - Wigram ward. She is involved in a number of other organisations for youth, education and the wider community.




Julie is a Correspondence School liaison teacher and has served as a deputy and acting principal at a local school. She wants to represent an area she has been part of for 40 years.




