Independent Citizens is a non-partisan, values-based group that supports practical, independent local leadership. We back capable candidates who prioritise affordability, core services, best practice business principals, and common sense - not ideology. We're not a political party and we don’t tell our elected members how to vote.

We stand for:

• Affordability – Reducing rates rises with sensible expenditure and debt reduction to ensure affordability for ratepayers

• Core Services Done Well – Reliable roads, footpaths, pipes, parks, and public facilities

• Transparency and Accountability – Open decisions and clear communication

• Independent Thinking – Supporting strong individuals who are accountable to you and vote based on what’s best for communities 

• Our Planet – Practical, science-based environmental solutions that deliver tangible benefits without unnecessary cost or ideology

• Commercial Common Sense – Applying good business judgement to get the best outcomes, without competing with private enterprise

Anyone can stand as an independent, but with Independent Citizens, candidates go through a robust selection process. That means voters can have greater confidence in the calibre, values, and local knowledge of who they're voting for. It’s quality control, without political interference.

No. Our constitution is clear - Independent Citizens does not instruct how elected members should vote. We back strong individuals who are empowered to use their skills and judgement to represent you independently.

Candidates are chosen based on merit, acumen, track-record, community involvement, shared values, and their ability to serve effectively. There’s a nomination, vetting, and interview process, including a recommendation from a selection panel to the Independent Citizens Executive. Once elected, members vote independently.

Standing with Independent Citizens means there’s support behind the candidate. Running for public office can be daunting, so having access to experience, advice, and shared resources makes a difference. If a candidate is ultimately selected, they still stand as an independent voice, but benefit from a respected local brand, practical campaign support, and a network of like-minded people to learn from. It’s about building better local leadership and capability together.

No. Independent Citizens is not a registered political party. We are an incorporated society with no affiliation to any political group. Our focus is solely on better local governance in Christchurch and the Banks Peninsular region.

No. Independent Citizens is not aligned with any political party, and we never have been. We’re an incorporated society focused solely on local government. There will be members and supporters who lean this way (more so than People’s Choice, for example), however they come from across the political spectrum. We’re united by a shared commitment to sensible spending, strong services, and better local leadership.

We believe ratepayers care less about left vs right and more about whether their roads are fixed, rates are fair, and the city is being run well.

People’s Choice is aligned with central government political parties, which can result in external political influence or Wellington policy being brought to council. Independent Citizens is different - we're locally focused, non-partisan, and outcome-driven. We believe in good decision-making, not political agendas.

Independent Citizens (known historically as Citizens) has a proud history of supporting respected local leaders, including:

• Former Mayors Sir Hamish Hay and Ron Guthrey

• Former Deputy Mayors Maurice Carter and Ngaire Button

• Councillors such as Sir Robertson Stewart, James Hay, Philip Carter, Sue Wells, Bob Shearing, Barbara Stewart, Barry Corbett, Peter Skellerup, and many others

 We’ve also had many well-respected Community Board members serve with distinction.

 As of 2025, elected representatives aligned with Independent Citizens include:

• Councillor James Gough

• Councillor Sam MacDonald

• Community Board members: David Cartwright, Bridget Williams, Shirish Paranjape, Jason Middlemiss, Linda Chen, Luke Chandler, and Helen Broughton

Each of them brings a practical, independent, and community-minded approach to their work.

We believe Christchurch ratepayers are being asked to pay too much. Council spending has become unsustainable, driven by too much borrowing and too many "nice-to-haves" instead of a focus on core services. Independent Citizens supports spending smarter, borrowing less, and keeping rates affordable by focusing on what really matters.

We support safer streets and promoting alternative modes of transport where appropriate, but we also believe the war on cars has gone too far. Many residents are frustrated by excessive speed bumps and road changes that create more problems than they solve. We want balanced, practical solutions that support access, safety, and common sense.

Not always. We only stand candidates where we believe we have the right person - someone who reflects our values, has strong local support, and can genuinely add value. In some cases, we may choose not to run if we believe the incumbent is doing a good job. We’re not here to be tribal. We’re here to support good local leadership for the benefit of Christchurch.

No - and we wouldn’t expect them to. Our candidates are independent thinkers. While they share common values and priorities – and agree on the core principles – they are not expected to vote the same way on every issue. That’s what genuine representation looks like.

Yes. We back practical, effective environmental initiatives, such as better flood protection, clean waterways, resilient infrastructure, and enhanced green spaces. We care about the environment, but we focus on tangible results, not impractical virtue signalling.

We’re not campaigning on asset sales, and we’re not proposing it. But we also don’t believe in saying “never” just for the sake of it. That’s not how good governance works. Our view is simple: ratepayer-owned assets should deliver strong value. If something’s underperforming or could offer a better financial, social, or strategic return, then it’s sensible to explore options – but only with a robust business case, full transparency, and genuine community support.

We want to grow, protect, and invest in our city’s assets for future generations. It’s not about selling – it’s about making sure what we own works for us. That’s just common sense and good commercial practice.

Absolutely. This will help drive the sort of discipline around the council table that’s desperately needed.

Our Executive is made up of people who care deeply about Christchurch and are committed to better local leadership. As of 2025, the elected Executive includes:

• Jason Middlemiss – Chair, Company CFO and community board member

• Brian Palliser ONZM – Retired lawyer and Notary Public

• Sam MacDonald – City Councillor

• Helen Broughton – Community Board member and former City Councillor

• James Gough – City Councillor

• Ryan McEwan – Local resident and community advocate

• Patron: Liz Lovell – Former Chair of Independent Citizens

All Executive members volunteer their time to help support and promote better local governance.

The panel may vary slightly from election to election, and it is appointed by the Executive to ensure fairness, rigour, and local insight. This year, the selection panel consisted of:

•  Jason Middlemiss – Chair, Company CFO and community board member

• Val Carter – Former community board Chair

• Liz Lovell – Patron and former Chair

We’re funded through a mix of membership contributions, donations, and campaign fundraising, all within electoral law. Funds are used to help support strong local candidates and promote informed public discussion on key issues facing Christchurch.

There are lots of ways to become a part of Independent Citizens:

• Join as a member

• Volunteer to help a campaign

• Donate to support our work

• Stay informed and share our message

Visit our Contact page to get started.