Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Candidates battle for place on Christchurch council

Updated at 4:24 pm on 3 February 2012

Nine people are campaigning for a seat on the Christchurch City Council despite protests this week calling for the council to be dumped and fresh elections held.

A by-election is under way to replace a councillor who quit in September citing dysfunction within the council as one reason for leaving.

At the final joint public meeting for the Burwood-Pegasus seat on Thursday night, most of the candidates criticised the council for a lack of openness.

Bob Tomkins said he would take his own electric screwdriver along to ensure an open-door policy for meetings.

The former dean of the Anglican cathedral, Peter Beck, said he wanted to help rebuild trust in the council.

The postal vote closes next Friday, 10 February.

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