Fifth candidate for Christchurch mayoralty

Central City Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale is the latest Christchurch mayoral candidate.

Mr Lonsdale announced his candidacy for the mayoralty and city council yesterday saying he will be "totally independent".

"That will be one of my strengths," he told The Star. "A good idea is a good idea, regardless of where it comes from."

He will also stand for the city council in the Hagley-Ferrymead ward.

A political novice, Mr Lonsdale joins current front-runner and Christchurch East Labour MP Lianne Dalziel, real estate agent Brad Maxwell, computer consultant Hugo Kristinsson and Tubby Hansen in seeking the city's top job.

Mr Lonsdale said Ms Dalziel's long record as a Labour MP could work against her and he believes he can give her a good run for his money.

"I think I've got as much to offer as she has," he said. "Christchurch people may look at her strong political background as a negative."

Mr Lonsdale said he would bring "passion, vision, community engagement and strong commercial business experience to the council table".

"I have a proven track record of leadership, creativity and an aptitude for bringing people together to make things happen."

As manager of the Central City Business Association, Mr Lonsdale said he achieved "a number of strategic milestones" including initiating the first steps in the Re:Start programme.

"Since opening Re:Start I have worked with countless community and cultural groups to bring life, hope and a sense of place back to the people of Christchurch and Canterbury."

Mr Lonsdale said he has developed a "very good relationships" with Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Christchurch Central Development Unit director Warwick Isaacs.

"I believe in the next three years my strong commercial and business experience will be invaluable in the city's rebuild."

Originally from Southland, Mr Lonsdale has made Christchurch his home. He and wife Denise have raised three children, a son aged 20, and daughters 18 and 13.

- By Cullen Smith of The Star

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