23 Jan 2014

PM won't be drawn on council elections

4:23 pm on 23 January 2014

Prime Minister John Key says returning democracy to the Canterbury Regional Council is on the agenda, but won't say whether mid-term elections are likely.

Commissioners took over from the elected councillors who were fired in 2010.

Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel says her preference is for mid-term elections, with half the regional council being made up of elected representatives and half commissioners.

Ms Dalziel says this will allow for a period where new councillors can learn from the appointed commissioners.

Mr Key says the Cabinet is considering options for the council and they would be revealing the plans soon.

People should be entitled to elect their officials and the Government would like to see democracy returned to the council, he says.