Monday, 4th August 2025

A sold-out crowd packed Dux Central last Friday night for the celebration of Sara Templeton’s mayoral campaign, marking a powerful moment in the race for Ōtautahi Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. Over 100 supporters filled the venue, bringing energy, optimism and strong backing for Templeton’s progressive, people-centred platform.

From the opening mihi to the final applause, the atmosphere was one of unity and momentum, with attendees excited about a bold vision for the city’s future. Templeton acknowledged the evening as "beyond expectations," describing the turnout and energy as a reflection of the city’s appetite for fresh leadership.

Among the highlights was a moving speech by Piper Pengelly, one of Templeton’s nominators, who spoke passionately about the need for future-focused leadership. The evening also featured a successful fundraising auction, which drew enthusiastic bidding and added critical fuel to the campaign’s next phase.

Three Pillars: Our City, Our People, Our Future

In a keynote address, Templeton outlined the three central pillars of her campaign: Our City, Our People, and Our Future, each accompanied by a flagship policy designed to create tangible change.

Our City: Emphasising water as a treasured local taonga, Templeton announced a commitment to roll out chlorine-free water stations across the city, allowing residents to enjoy the pristine water from the city’s aquifer. She also pledged to accelerate the city’s pipe renewal programme, with a target of reducing leakage from nearly 30 percent to under 15 percent within the next decade. This work would lay the foundation for pursuing a chlorine exemption.

Our People: Advocating for deeper democracy, Templeton proposed the introduction of deliberative forums; groups of (approximately) 50 everyday residents representing diverse backgrounds, brought together to learn, question, and shape important council decisions collaboratively. The initiative aims to restore trust in decision-making and ensure community voices are central to the city’s future.

Our Future: On climate action and environmental sustainability, Templeton committed to planting one million trees and other plants across Ōtautahi Christchurch and Banks Peninsula in her first term. The plan is ambitious, but achievable, helping the city remain both a garden city and a climate-resilient one. The focus is on improved climate and biodiversity outcomes, better shade cover, and green equity across all neighbourhoods, not just the wealthiest.

These new policies build on Templeton’s track record and existing commitments, including a pledge not to sell strategic assets and to ensure that the city is affordable now and into the future.

A Campaign of Momentum and Shared Vision

With ten weeks to go until election day, the campaign is continuing to gain momentum. Templeton says Friday night was just the beginning of a broader kōrero with residents across the city.

"This campaign is about building a liveable, resilient city together. The energy in the room on Friday night shows how ready people are to step into a better future," she said. "I’m deeply humbled by the support and belief in our shared vision. Now, let’s keep going."

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