Who we are

Independent Citizens is a Christchurch-based association that selects and supports candidates for Community Boards and the Christchurch City Council.

Our candidates are committed to Christchurch. They serve our community through local government by focusing on the sensible management of ratepayers’ money and assets, by bringing the right mix of professional skills and community connections to the table.

ESTABLISHMENT

Independent Citizens was established after the amalgamation of local councils in the 1990s, and our history goes back to the original Citizens ticket for the Christchurch City Council. Former Christchurch Mayors Ron Guthrey and Hamish Hay were both Citizens members.

Now officially called the Independent Citizens Association Inc, we are not tied to party politics and have representatives from a range of community and political backgrounds. Our association is driven by our members who help to select and support our Candidates. Members also elect an executive committee to run Independent Citizens and the current Chair is Jason Middlemiss.

CANDIDATE SELECTION

When selecting candidates, we seek to support people from a range of professional backgrounds and different communities who will strengthen the Council’s ability to make better decisions for ratepayers by-

• reducing the rising cost of rates

• ensuring core services are working properly

• cutting out duplication and waste by Council

• maintaining infrastructure

• using our assets to their full potential