Raf Manji

As a two-time Councillor and Chair of Finance (2013-2019), I know what it takes to build a prosperous city. The decisions and investments we made post-earthquake have delivered an exciting landscape, which we can now build upon.

To keep Christchurch safe, affordable and vibrant for current and future residents and businesses, we need to manage our spending carefully and get the best returns from our investments. That will help us to attract new talent, ideas and capital to support continued economic and community development.

I’ve chaired the Student Volunteer Army Foundation, been a  Trustee for Pillars and the AsiaNZ Foundation and volunteered for Refugee Resettlement and Budget Services. I’ve sat on Local Government Working Groups for Funding, Risk and Localism and the board of Christchurch City Holdings ltd. I also acted as an Advisor to the Christchurch Foundation on support for the victims of the 15th March terror attack.

It’s a challenging time for local government but, with my broad experience in governance, business and community, I can help take the city to the next level.

What I support:

• A cap on rates increases

• Safe and clean streets

• Vibrant local businesses

• Better investment returns

• More affordable housing

• And more trees