Papanui Ward Councillor Victoria Henstock has confirmed she will stand again in this year’s local elections, saying Christchurch is a city on the rise and she’s excited about its future.

“I’m proud to announce I’m standing for re-election as your Independent Councillor for Papanui,” Henstock said. “Christchurch is growing in confidence, energy, and ambition. This is a city people want to live in, invest in, and belong to.”

Henstock said her focus remained on responsible spending, practical results, and keeping local voices at the Council table.

She said it had been a privilege to represent the people of Papanui, and that she has always stood up for common sense and achievable outcomes that put residents before party politics.

During her term, she said she deferred the Harewood Road Cycleway, fought for smarter spending, challenged what she described as unjustified rates increases, and opposed the installation of unnecessary speed humps.

Henstock said those decisions were based on direct feedback from the community.

She has run weekly drop-in sessions at the Papanui and Redwood libraries, listening to residents and working through hundreds of local issues. She said her background in law, governance, and executive leadership had helped her advocate effectively at the Council table.

“There’s more to do, and I’m ready to keep delivering for Papanui and Christchurch,” she said. “Let’s build a city that works, for everyone. Your City. Your Rates. Your Voice.