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.
It was an inspiration that so many of you had never been involved in politics before. Some of you had never voted. But you made calls, knocked on doors, and so much more.
And I want to thank Jim. I feel privileged to have worked with a legend and to witness first hand his compassion and integrity. He was a reluctant candidate who stepped up when called upon to take the city in a new direction. A new direction from the disastrous policies of the past three years. Unfortunately, the earthquake stepped in Jim's way.
But today is not the end. Today is a beginning.
A Mayor alone does not bring about change! Change only happens because people like you get involved in resident associations and community groups, get involved in democracy, identify an injustice or a need, united with others who care, and organise to do something about it.
When people come together with a common purpose we can change our neighbourhoods. We can change our city. We can change our world.
That has been the story of Christchurch and New Zealand for over 150 years. And that will be the story of tomorrow.
Thank you again for all that you have done.




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.

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.

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.




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.




