NZ Local Elections 2025

Christchurch City Council

Coastal Ward
The Christchurch City Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 16 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the city). one councillor will be elected from the Coastal ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Christchurch City Council election.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Taraia Brown

Taraia Brown

Independent

Jo Zervos

Jo Zervos

Independent

Celeste Donovan

Celeste Donovan

Independent

Celeste Donovan

Independent

| Christchurch City Councillor for the Coastal ward

Celeste Donovan

Independent

| Christchurch City Councillor for the Coastal ward

Why I'm standing

I'm running again because Coastal has real momentum, but the job's not done. Over the past four years I've helped secure funding and progress on major projects like the Pages Road Bridge and New Brighton Mall, while fast-tracking overdue upgrades to local pipes, roads and stormwater. I want to finish what we've started, ensure everyday basics are done and prepare our community for the future with smart investment, better tsunami planning and community-led climate planning.

About me

I bring governance and community experience, with a down-to-earth style that's about listening and working alongside people. I hold first-class honours in international law and politics and a Master's from Otago, giving me the skills to navigate council processes and get results. As an independent, I work across divides. Since 2021, I've represented Coastal and built a proven track record of delivering for our community.

My priorities
  1. Keep momentum on key regeneration projects: Pages Rd Bridge, Estuary Edge and New Brighton Mall.
  2. Repair roads, pipes and footpaths with proper fixes that deliver value for money.
  3. Support future resilience through tsunami readiness and community-led climate planning.
Current role

Christchurch City Councillor for the Coastal ward

Residence

North Brighton

Age

45

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I'm running again because Coastal has real momentum, but the job's not done. Over the past four years I've helped secure funding and progress on major projects like the Pages Road Bridge and New Brighton Mall, while fast-tracking overdue upgrades to local pipes, roads and stormwater. I want to finish what we've started, ensure everyday basics are done and prepare our community for the future with smart investment, better tsunami planning and community-led climate planning.

About me

I bring governance and community experience, with a down-to-earth style that's about listening and working alongside people. I hold first-class honours in international law and politics and a Master's from Otago, giving me the skills to navigate council processes and get results. As an independent, I work across divides. Since 2021, I've represented Coastal and built a proven track record of delivering for our community.

My priorities
  1. Keep momentum on key regeneration projects: Pages Rd Bridge, Estuary Edge and New Brighton Mall.
  2. Repair roads, pipes and footpaths with proper fixes that deliver value for money.
  3. Support future resilience through tsunami readiness and community-led climate planning.
Current role

Christchurch City Councillor for the Coastal ward

Residence

North Brighton

Age

45

Connect via

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