By James PasleyVeteran activist John Minto has put up his hand to run against Lianne Dalziel for the Christchurch mayoralty. "He'll be critical of it, particularly of Christchurch City Council and the sale of public assets," Edwards said. The group has been demanding an end to secret Christchurch City Council meetings, and has asked for the renegotiation of the council's cost-sharing agreement with the Government to be delayed. However, Minto would have a "strong impact" on the mayoral debate, which would likely centre on the Christchurch rebuild. "With John Minto it's always about grass roots activism, and to get a movement going rather than just winning the vote.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 12, 2016 09:22 UTC