Central Ward
Voting in the Central Ward
Within the Central Ward, you're voting for the following:
- 1 Mayor
- 1 Councillor on the Christchurch City Council for the Central Ward
- 2 Community Board members of the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board
- 2 Councillors on the Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) for the Christchurch Central/Ōhoko Constituency

Councillor – 1 vacancy
Central Ward Councillor.

Hayley GUGLIETTA
Truly Independent
My principal place of residence is in the Central Ward area.
I’ve spent over a decade rolling up my sleeves in Christchurch Central—leading community gardens, running major events, and shaping long-term strategies for a more resilient, connected city. From regenerating red zone land to co-founding the Riverlution Eco Hub, I’ve turned big ideas into lasting outcomes.
With an MBA and experience running a successful IT business, I know how to read budgets, ask the right questions, and invest wisely for long-term value. I bring both governance expertise and grassroots know-how—understanding how policy plays out on the ground.
I’m standing as truly independent because I believe local decisions should be made by locals, not party lines. I’ll work with anyone who shares a vision for progress.
This is my home. I’m committed to transparent leadership, environmental regeneration, and practical action that improves life for all of us.
www.guglietta.co.nz(external link) #hayley4central

Raf MANJI
Independent
My principal place of residence is in the Central Ward area.
Christchurch has made incredible progress over the past decade, and the rest of New Zealand is starting to recognize what makes our city special. There’s much to celebrate as the central city develops. But there’s still more to do.
To keep Christchurch safe, affordable, and resilient for current and future residents and businesses, we must invest in fit-for-purpose public transport, reliable water systems, and develop digital and energy infrastructure prepared for climate challenges.
We have the resources to meet these challenges if we manage our finances carefully. I propose capping rates increases to give ratepayers financial certainty, while unlocking the potential of city assets through partnerships with Ngāi Tahu, central government, and the private sector.
As Chair of Finance for 6 years, I helped lead our city’s recovery after the earthquakes. With my experience and connections, I’m ready to help deliver a safe, sustainable, and affordable Christchurch for all.

Jake MCLELLAN
Labour
My principal place of residence is not in the Central Ward area.
Our community is where I grew up, went to school, and now have the privilege of representing you. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together — from the much-needed refresh of the Linwood Village shopping area and surrounding green space, to cracking down on unsightly land banking to enable more central city development, and securing the Living Wage for City Council workers. Most recently, I’ve helped get the ball rolling on a new CBD shuttle service.
I’ve always been clear about what I stand for. I won’t support selling off our public assets — not the port, the airport, or the lines company. I’m committed to working hard for our community, spending wisely, and investing only in projects that capitalise on Christchurch’s potential. I’m asking for your support so we can keep delivering for our community.

Mace REID
Independent
My principal place of residence is in the Central Ward area. I am also standing for Central Ward of the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board.
I've called Christchurch home for the past 18 years, and for the last five, I’ve been living and working in the heart of the city. During my time here, I have been impressed by the city’s remarkable transformation and growth.
I’d love to play a part in helping Christchurch continue to move forward through its long-term planning. I’m especially interested in supporting projects that improve community wellbeing and make our infrastructure work better for everyone. In particular, I think bringing back the central city shuttle would make a real difference, and I’d be keen to see more focus on using existing rail lines for passenger services between Lyttelton, Rolleston, Rangiora, and Kaiapoi to the city centre. These kinds of initiatives could go a long way toward easing congestion, making city access better for everyone.

Tom ROUD
Alliance Party
My principal place of residence is not in the Central Ward area. I am also standing for Central Ward of the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board.
Christchurch can be a great place to live if it’s a great place to live for everyone. We’ve rebuilt, and now we must make sure we don’t leave anyone behind.
Public spending and council priorities should be focussed on improving the lives of ordinary people. We need investment in our community. We must retain and expand our public assets to deliver the quality services residents need.
We need a vibrant central city supporting a thriving economy where employment is high, the cost of living affordable, where everyone benefits from an ambitious and people-first council.
We need a city that works for working people.
I grew up in Christchurch and have family roots back to the 1880s. I’ve been working in libraries in the city for the last seven years and would be honoured for your support to represent your interests on the council.
tomroudforcouncil.org(external link) - 027 866 7683
Community Board – 2 vacancies
Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board members – Central Ward.

Sunita GAUTAM
Labour
My principal place of residence is not in the Central Ward of the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board area.
I’ve been a Christchurch resident for 21 years and remain a committed advocate for the Central Ward. As a senior business lecturer at Ara, a business mentor, Justice of the Peace, marriage and civil union celebrant, community volunteer, and mother of two teenagers, I bring energy, experience, and integrity to local decision-making.
Since 2020, I’ve worked alongside residents to revitalise our neighbourhoods — upgrading parks and public spaces, improving street safety, planting trees, and supporting projects like Greening the East and the Linwood Village uplift. I stay connected through community meetings, local events, and grassroots collaboration, because local voices matter.
I’m passionate about public transport improvements, including bringing back the CBD shuttle, and creating a city that’s inclusive, sustainable, and safe for everyone.
I listen, take action, and follow through. With your support, I’ll keep working to make our communities stronger, greener, and more connected.

John MILLER
Labour
My principal place of residence is in the Central Ward of the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board area.
I’m standing for re-election to Christchurch Central Ward’s Community Board. For over three decades I’ve been actively involved in community initiatives, including environmental campaigns, refugee resettlement, and the fair trade movement.
On the Community Board, I’ve contributed to the Inner City East Revitalisation plan and supported efforts that have led to more tree planting, tidier streets, and reduced illegal dumping — working alongside others in the community. I believe board decisions must always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of local residents.
My focus remains on practical, people-focused improvements that strengthen neighbourhoods, create safer streets, and support fairness across our city. I bring not just experience, but a deep commitment to listening, collaborating, and standing up for the needs of everyday people.

Mace REID
Independent
My principal place of residence is in the Central Ward of the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board area. I am also standing for Central Ward Councillor.
Living in Christchurch for 18 years, I have seen the city undergo an amazing transformation, which I would very much like to help continue.
I want to bring a fresh perspective to the table, primarily focusing on environmental sustainability, and transport logistics around the city, and stadium. I believe with careful planning and implementation of projects in these areas, we can continue to make Christchurch a place for residents and businesses alike to thrive.

Tom ROUD
Alliance Party
My principal place of residence is not in the Central Ward of the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board area. I am also standing for Central Ward Councillor.
The central ward is a great place to live, but can be even better once it’s a great place to live for all residents.
The ward is younger than the rest of the city, with a high proportion of renters. We need those voices to be heard on the community board and advocated for.
We’re a ward of employment, with over 50,000 people working in the central ward compared to a voting population half that size. Yet household incomes in the central ward lag behind much of the rest of Christchurch.
We’ve got incredible community projects, many supported by the council. We must ensure that community level participation in the governance of these projects is assured - the folks at the coalface are experts in their own right.
I would be honoured for your support to represent your interests on the Community Board.
tomroudforcouncil.org(external link) - 027 866 7683

Vivian WANG
My principal place of residence is in the Central Ward of the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board area.
Kia ora, I’m Vivian Wang — an independent candidate, not affiliated with any political party. I live, work, volunteer, and raise my two tamariki here in our city. I work full-time in the tertiary education sector and also pick up casual shifts as a group fitness instructor. I understand how hard people work to make ends meet, to belong, and to be heard.
I’m standing to bring more care, connection, and long-term thinking into the room. My values are grounded in whakapapa, manaakitanga, and protecting the resources that sustain us all.
If elected, I will:
Help make decisions that honour past and future generations; Bridge communities through genuine connection and listening; Uphold our role as kaitiaki — caring for our people, places, and environment
This campaign isn’t about power — it’s about people. If you believe leadership should reflect real life, I’d love your support.
Mayor – 1 vacancy

Mayor
View the 2025 candidates for Christchurch Mayor.
Canterbury Regional Council – 2 vacancies
Christchurch Central/Ōhoko Constituency of the Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury).

Canterbury Regional Council
View the 2025 Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) candidates.
Disclaimer
This candidate information has been compiled under the Local Electoral Act 2001. The Act provides that an electoral officer is not required to verify or investigate any information included in candidate profile statements and is not responsible for the accuracy of the information contained in such statement.