Candidates for the mayoralty of Christchurch have taken part in their first public debate but only the top two contenders were invited.
Outgoing Labour MP Lianne Dalziel and businessman Paul Lonsdale were the only ones invited to speak at the Fairfax Media debate, prompting the other 10 candidates to picket the venue.
Ms Dalziel spoke about her desire to re-strengthen the council's capacity to lead the city's recovery and to do away with the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority by 2016.
Mr Lonsdale said he wanted to keep rates in line with inflation, explore public private partnerships and build a high performing council management team.
