Christchurch City Councillors have voted in favour of a 30,000 seat stadium.

Councillor Sam MacDonald said it’s been a “pretty bad two weeks and real frustration from the community and we didn’t get it right.”

He was speaking at this afternoon’s council meeting following his notice of motion asking council to reverse its decision on the stadium and increase its seating capacity to 30,000.

“Let’s do it once and let’s do it right.” He said.

Councillor Aaron Keown said he’s happy to talk to fellow councils to help pay for the costs.

Councillor Anne Galloway said “we must be a future focused council.” She voted for a 30,000 seat stadium.

However she said “this debate has forced us down a path of division.”

Councillor James Gough urged councilors to be “on the right side of history.”

Councillor Jake McClellan said he was now in favour of the 30,000 after finding out the increase of capacity would have a minimal impact on rates.

Councillor Phil Mauger praised the city’s business community for setting up business in the cbd and said it was the most important construction since the February 2011 earthquake.

“Some say this has been a political stunt but it’s not” he said.

“We only have one chance, do it once, do it right.”

Councillor Tim Scandrett said “the live experience was absolutely essential” and voted for the 30,000 seats.

Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner said public confidence had been knocked over for the past for weeks.

He said he didn’t want to do anything that would increase costs. “This will impact on rates.”

He made reference to good leadership saying it was important to do what’s right for the city.

Councillor Pauline Cotter said the debate had “energized the city.” She voted in favour.

Councillor Sara Templeton said the increase of seats was at odds with climate change and questioned why no assessments on the climate had been produced. She voted against the increase. “There is so much more at stake for the future of our city.”

Councillor Melanie Coker said was a true “red and black” supporter and had heard from many residents including her dad who “was texting her all day.”

She said she was concerned the council was writing a blank cheque but said “bring on Michael Buble.”

Councillor Yani Johanson maintained his position that the stadium should have been built on Lancaster Park. But still voted in favour.

Councillor Catherine Chu said she was voting for the “future of Christchurch.”

Councillor Mike Davidson said “we’re going to be sinking a lot of money into something where other things will miss out” and there’s been a lot of messages behind the scenes from residents asking him to not vote for the increase.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel said “the focus on the budget has dogged the process from start to finish.”

She said she didn’t want to go back to Government and ask for more money because they’ve already been supportive.