The iconic radio host will stand as an independent in the Coastal Ward – the ward he turned his back on in 2021, forcing a by-election.
“I understand that some residents felt let down by my decision, I hear you and I’m sorry. But life has its twists and turns, although my life and heart have always been centred in the east,” he said.
Daniels was elected in 2019, beating sitting councillor David East by 339 votes.
But in June 2021, Daniels resigned from the city council to take up what he said was a “once-in-a-lifetime” job as co-host with Simon Barnett on NewstalkZB afternoons.
“As radio has been my life it was an incredible opportunity – but one that meant stepping away from council.”
His resignation forced a by-election, costing $65,000, which was won by Celeste Donovan. She held onto the ward in the 2022 election.
Daniels, 70, acknowledges some voters may question his return, and says he is ready for that conversation.
Daniels is the third candidate making a bid for the ward, alongside Donovan and Jo Zervos, but nominations don’t close until August 1.
Zervos is an independent Coastal Ward member on the Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood Community Board.
Since leaving radio in 2024, Daniels has been working alongside his children in the family business.
He said it’s time to step up again, because the ward “needs a stronger voice at the council table”.
“I’ve watched what’s been happening around the council table and I’m frustrated,” he said.
Daniels is supportive of Mayor Phil Mauger.
“Phil Mauger is a good man, trying hard to do the right thing for Christchurch, but he doesn’t have the numbers to get practical outcomes across the line – especially for our side of the city. Coastal deserves better,” he said.
Daniels says he is committed to serving a full-term if elected.
“I will look anyone in the eye and say, even if I win Lotto, I will not step down.”
Daniels hopes to work with Mauger to lower rates increases and get more value for city council spending, but said he would also work well with Heathcote Ward city councillor Sara Templeton if she is elected mayor.
“I’m not saying I agree with Phil on everything, but we have a great relationship with mutual respect. What he needs are more independent, experienced councillors willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. That’s what I bring.”
He declined to comment on Donovan’s record.
“I’m not going to comment on anyone else. I’m just going to present people with my good skills and experience.
“I think we need to do the basics really well. I guess all candidates will say that, but I mean it.”
Improving housing supply, safety and resilience in the face of worsening weather events will also be a priority.
Daniels said he was approached by the left-leaning The People’s Choice political group to run under its banner in the ward. But after “serious thought” he decided against it to remain independent.
But People’s Choice chair Paul McMahon said “wires may have been crossed”. He denied People’s Choice had “officially” approached Daniels.
“One (People’s Choice) person caught up with him pretty casually at a cafe, but there was no official approach or asking him to stand.”
Daniels said his choice to not run under People’s Choice relates to his opposition to party politics at the city council.
“I’ve always been fiercely independent. I’m not part of a voting bloc, and I don’t take instructions from any party or special interest group. I vote based on what’s right for our people and our future.”
Daniels says he is “at the centre” politically and wants to work well with all city councillors, left or right-leaning.
“I know how to communicate, I know how to listen, and I know how to bring people together to solve problems,” he said.
“This is about making sensible, smart, long-term decisions – for us and our children after us.”
