Phil Mauger has been re-elected as Mayor of Christchurch following a determined challenge from political rival Sara Templeton.

Mauger, who confirmed earlier this year that he would seek a second term, campaigned on keeping the city’s momentum going, a message that clearly resonated with Christchurch voters. His re-election marks another chapter in his leadership, as he continues to drive major infrastructure, housing, and community projects across the city.

Progress results show Phil Mauger has won Christchurch’s mayoralty race with 54,644 votes, a majority of almost 20,000.

His nearest rival, Sara Templeton, received 34,726 votes.

The next highest-polling mayoral candidate was Thomas Healey, who received 1,547 votes.

Speaking exclusively to chrislynchmedia.com in his first interview since being re-elected, Mauger said he was pleased with the result.

“You don’t go in if you don’t want to win, and I’m pleased we won,” he said. “I’m really happy everyone in Christchurch has backed me. It’s a great result.”

Mauger said the large margin reflected strong community support for his approach to leadership.

“I’ve done a lot of hard work, and I’m always out there telling everyone how good it is to live in Christchurch and how many great things are happening here,” he said. “People are moving down, it’s working.”

He confirmed that Sara Templeton had called to congratulate him. “We had a quick chat, and she said congratulations. She’s looking forward to the next three years.”

Mauger said his priorities for the next term would include tackling council debt while continuing to invest in key city projects.

“I want to tackle debt and keep Christchurch’s momentum going,” he said. “We need to get more money back into the council coffers.”

When asked about residents who did not vote for him, Mauger said he intended to win their confidence through hard work and results.

“I’ll just keep working as hard as I have, if not harder,” he said. “People will see the results and how good Christchurch is going to be over the next three years.”

On the low voter turnout, Mauger said it might be time to rethink how local elections are run.

“General election turnout in New Zealand is particularly high, but local body election turnout is pathetic,” he said. “Maybe we should change to a system where people vote in person.”

Asked whether some media outlets appeared to favour his rival during the campaign, Mauger said he preferred to stay focused on progress.

“We just kept our heads down and kept doing the good work we’ve always done,” he said. “I knew it would come out in the end, because it’s common sense — we’re heading in the right direction.”

Mauger said Christchurch’s future was bright, with major developments such as Te Kaha and Parakiore on track to make the city “the sporting and events capital of the country.”

Asked how he planned to celebrate, Mauger said he would be spending the evening with friends.

“Just getting a few mates around for a bit of a party,” he said. “Looking forward to it.”

Mayor-elect Mauger will be joined at the Council table by two new councillors and 14 returning councillors, as progress results stand.

Not all ordinary votes have been counted yet. Votes received this morning and special votes are yet to be counted, therefore results could still change.

Preliminary results are expected to be available on Sunday, 12 October, which will include all ordinary votes. Special votes will not be included, so the results may still change.

Final results, with all votes counted, are expected to be declared by the Electoral Officer by Thursday, 16 October.

Ward results

• Banks Peninsula: Tyrone Fields – 2,649 votes

• Burwood: Kelly Barber – 4,925 votes

• Cashmere: Tim Scandrett – 5,076 votes

• Central: Jake McLellan – 1,634 votes

• Coastal: Celeste Donovan – 4,155 votes

• Fendalton: David Cartwright – 4,707 votes

• Halswell: Andrei Moore – 6,691 votes

• Heathcote: Nathaniel Herz Jardine – 4,486 votes

• Innes: Pauline Cotter – 2,873 votes

• Linwood: Yani Johanson – 3,290 votes

• Papanui: Victoria Henstock – 3,991 votes

• Riccarton: Tyla Harrison-Hunt – 1,431 votes

• Spreydon: Melanie Coker – 3,733 votes

Three sitting councillors were re-elected unopposed, Aaron Keown in Harewood, Mark Peters in Hornby, and Sam MacDonald in Waimairi.

Christchurch mayoral candidate Sara Templeton has thanked supporters, volunteers and voters following today’s election result, saying she is proud of the campaign her team ran and grateful for the opportunity to have served the city for the past twelve years.

“While today’s result wasn’t what we hoped for, I’m deeply proud of the positive, future-focused campaign we ran and so grateful to everyone who believed in a better future for our city,” Templeton said.

She said she always knew it would be difficult to defeat an incumbent mayor but believed it was important that residents had a real choice.

“We focused on the issues that matter: fixing infrastructure, building strong communities, and creating a fairer, greener, more connected and resilient city ready to face the challenges ahead.”

Templeton said representing the Heathcote Ward since 2013 had been one of the most rewarding chapters of her life.

“Over the past twelve years, we’ve achieved so much together, from rebuilding community facilities to creating the stunning Coastal Pathway. It has been an absolute privilege to serve and to see Christchurch grow and evolve. I’ve been proud to lead Council’s efforts to make progress in the climate change space, both in lowering our emissions and planning for the challenges and opportunities coming our way.”

She paid tribute to her campaign team and the hundreds of volunteers and donors who supported her mayoral bid.

“To every volunteer who gave up evenings and weekends, every person who donated, talked with neighbours, and showed up with heart, thank you. You made this campaign something truly special. It has been the best thing I have ever been involved in.”

Templeton said the campaign had sparked important community conversations that she hopes will continue.

“We have started meaningful discussions about the kind of place we want to be, fairer, greener, and more connected, and those don’t stop here. Let’s keep working together for the change our city needs.”

She also extended her best wishes to Mayor Phil Mauger and the incoming Council for the next term.

“All the very best to Phil and the councillors as they continue the work of building a great city for everyone.”