Rolling his sleeves up
Avenues sat down with Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger to talk progress, pride, and what drives him.
Phil Mauger is not a career politician. He’s a grandfather, a husband – happily married to Chrissy – and a man who built his life on the idea that if something needs fixing, you roll up your sleeves and get on with it.
Now, nearly three years into his term as Mayor of Christchurch, Mauger has built a reputation on straight answers, high visibility, and a relentless focus on getting things done. His hands-on style has earned him both fans and critics, but few can argue with the results.
“I’ve had to learn fast,” he admits. “In business, you just get on with it. In council, there’s process. I’ve learned to work with that, but I’ve also learned where to push.”
And push he has. From flood protection and infrastructure upgrades in the city’s east to securing a massive $85 million insurance payout to rebuild the Bromley wastewater plant, Mauger has been at the centre of Christchurch’s steady resurgence.
The wastewater project alone is a milestone, not just restoring vital services but reducing carbon emissions by around 40 to 50 per cent at the plant. It’s one of many signs that Christchurch isn’t just recovering from the past; it’s preparing for the future.
But there’s one project that towers above the rest, literally and symbolically.
“Getting One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha over the line was a real win for our city,” Mauger says. “People are excited. And frankly, they should be, it’s going to transform Christchurch.”
The One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, set to open in April 2026, will be a world-class 30,000-seat arena and a cornerstone of the city’s future.
“This will be the heart of our city, and I wasn’t going to let it be cut down or delayed any longer,” says Mauger.
Mauger grew up in Christchurch’s eastern suburbs, a proud product of North New Brighton, and has a practical work ethic that defines his approach to leadership.
That attitude is perhaps best reflected in one of his most low-key but popular initiatives: the city’s roving maintenance team. These crews are out every day, fixing potholes, cleaning up, and tackling minor repairs before residents even log a complaint. “People notice when things just work,” Mauger says. “It builds pride, confidence.”
And confidence is something Christchurch has been steadily regaining.
The city’s economy is growing. New sectors like aerospace and hydrogen are taking root, while the tech and innovation sector continues to expand. People are proud to call this place home again.
He’s proud of the progress made under his leadership: retaining ownership of the city’s three waters assets, cutting red tape, and restoring faith in council. Satisfaction with council services is now at 53 per cent, the highest level since 2020.
But Mauger knows the job’s far from done. Getting rate increases down, affordable housing, climate resilience, and smarter infrastructure remain top priorities.
“Ratepayers want their roads fixed, their rubbish collected, and their money spent wisely,” he says. “That’s where my focus is – and always will be.”
Phil Mauger sees leadership not as a title, but as a hands-on responsibility – one that means showing up, listening closely, and getting stuck in. For a city still shaping its future, Phil has more to offer – and that’s why he’s standing for re-election.
Authorised by Phil Mauger, phil.mauger@outlook.co.nz