The people of Christchurch have spoken, well some have, and they have chosen stability. Phil Mauger has been re-elected as Mayor for another three years, with 54,644 votes to Sara Templeton’s 34,726, a majority of almost 20,000.

While some outlets confidently claimed the race was “too close to call,” the result told a different story.

Polling from chrislynchmedia.com turned out to be one of the few accurate reflections of voter sentiment in this election.

Perhaps that is because it represented what people in Christchurch were actually thinking, rather than what some in the media imagined they should be thinking.

It’s not surprising there is a growing frustration among declining audiences that parts of the media appear more interested in moral instruction than journalism, lecturing the public on how to vote, what to believe, and even what mode of transport they should be using to get to work. I digress.

Sara Templeton ran a polished and determined campaign, and she deserves credit for her effort. She was articulate, focused, and deeply engaged in local issues. There is little doubt she will continue to be a voice worth hearing in New Zealand’s political conversation. Templeton would have fitted comfortably within the Green Party of Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rod Donald’s era, a time when environmental values could comfortably coexist. Should she seek a broader political platform in the future, many would welcome her balanced and thoughtful approach. Templeton ran an impressive campaign, and while she didn’t secure the mayoralty, her capability and composure suggest she deserves a place in public office.

The new council, while largely unchanged, reflects the same mix that has served Christchurch reasonably well. Mauger’s return is a vote of confidence in his calm, practical leadership style. He is not flashy nor easily rattled. He listens, seeks consensus, and focuses on delivery, qualities that will be vital as Christchurch continues to navigate major projects and the challenge of balancing growth with financial restraint.

Of course, collegiality at the council table will remain a test. Local politics has never been short on opinions, and at times those personalities spill out in ways that reveal more than intended. Some councillors still seem to blur the line between professional judgment and personal bias, allowing their own ideology to seep into areas well beyond their mandate.

People’s Choice councillor Nathaniel Herz Jardine won by a landslide. His hands-on campaigning, backed by the organisation’s well-oiled political machine, secured him the Heathcote seat with ease. Herz Jardine has built his reputation on doing what he believes is right for his community, and his win suggests voters see him as someone who genuinely wants to serve rather than simply be seen to.

When I spoke with him a month or so, I was genuinely impressed. He came across as thoughtful, grounded, and focused on outcomes rather than headlines.

The next Deputy Mayor appointment will be pivotal. Victoria Henstock has impressed many with her direct, analytical style, a kind of clarity that cuts through bureaucracy and restores accountability. She has the ability to cross examine staff without getting emotional.