With voting set to close at midday Saturday, Christchurch mayoral candidate Sara Templeton says her campaign has been “an amazing experience” as she awaits the official results.

In a statement to Chris Lynch Media, Templeton expressed gratitude to her supporters, saying the community that formed around her campaign has been “phenomenal.”

“A huge thank you to my core team and volunteers for the thousands of hours put into putting forward our shared vision for the future of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula,” she said.

“Thanks also to the hundreds of people who donated and made the campaign possible.”

Templeton said she is looking forward to hearing the results on Saturday and will decide on her next steps once they are known.

Sara Templeton entered the race with a focus on creating a more sustainable, connected, and future-ready Christchurch.

Templeton’s campaign centres on long-term infrastructure planning, climate resilience, and responsible growth, with a strong emphasis on transparency and meaningful community engagement.

She has been a key voice on the Christchurch City Council’s sustainability and climate change portfolio, advocating for practical environmental policies and investment in public transport and active travel.

Templeton has also served as a director of Christchurch City Holdings Limited, giving her experience in the governance of major council-owned assets.

During the public mayoral debates hosted by the local paper and by Chris Lynch Media, Templeton was widely applauded for her clarity, with many observers saying she “won” both events.

Voting in the local election closes at 12pm, with preliminary results expected later in the day.

Incumbent Mayor Phil Mauger’s campaign has been approached for comment.