20 Oct 2017

Christchurch Acting Mayor Andrew Turner will call to congratulate Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern this weekend.

Mr Turner, who is filling in while Mayor Lianne Dalziel is overseas, said he has met Ms Ardern in the past and is looking forward to working with her and the incoming Labour-NZ First coalition Government.

Acting Mayor Andrew Turner

Acting Mayor Andrew Turner will call to congratulate new Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

“I will be phoning Jacinda this weekend to give her my congratulations in person and I’m sure that we will be able to develop a strong working relationship in the months and years to come.

“There are many policies in play that relate to Christchurch. Obviously there are coalition negotiations to be concluded, but we are optimistic for a good outcome for this city.

“It is our intention that once portfolios are announced we will make early contact with the relevant ministers with a view to continuing to work with them in a collaborative way as it’s very important that we develop a strong and meaningful partnership with the new Government.”

Mr Turner said Christchurch City Council staff would prepare briefing papers for the incoming Government Ministers.

Ms Dalziel, who is in Seattle, the United States on a Sister Cities visit, has already sent a congratulatory text to Ms Ardern.