Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch
“There’s a daft rumour going around about leasing out port operations. I don’t know where that’s come from, it’s simply not true. Any commentary suggesting I’m pushing for that is just mudraking. It’s incredibly disappointing and not helpful, especially when the city needs the port to succeed and grow.” - 7/7/25
“I have no plans to support any sale of Lyttelton Port. I have said this time and time again. This includes any partial sale. It is a strategic asset for our region. It is disappointing that people are misinterpreting my position for politicking.” - 7/7/25
https://www.facebook.com/share/1bzv6h5rSU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
“During my campaign and since being mayor, I have made it clear these key assets should be controlled by the council,” - 7/7/25
Statements By Local Body Politicians:
Before the 2025 local government election, candidates lined up to sign the Keep Our Asset’s Pledge not to sell strategic infrastructure assets.
https://www.cafca.org.nz/uncategorised/2025/07/keep-our-assets-pledge
Tracy McLellan, Labour MP (Banks Peninsula Candidate)
“Lyttelton Port is a strategic asset, not just another commercial opportunity.
I strongly oppose leasing port operations to an overseas company.
Control over a critical piece of South Island infrastructure should remain in local hands. That means local accountability for jobs, health and safety, and the decisions that shape our region’s future.
This isn’t just about profits. It’s about who makes the decisions, who benefits from the success of the port, and who is accountable for jobs, health and safety, and the long-term interests of Canterbury. Those decisions should be made here, not offshore.
Christchurch communities have invested in this port for generations. The benefits of its success should stay here too.
Some assets are simply too important to give away control of. Lyttelton Port is one of them.” - 22/6/26
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LRjcC2Xvg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Mike Davidson, Green MP (Ilam Candidate)
“Ōtautahi residents have built up our key strategic assets like the Port and Airport over many decades and they're important, not just for the cash dividends they bring, but for the city and region's economic prosperity. Ownership means being able to set the direction, like sustainability targets and living wages, and to keep the profits here in Ōtautahi to benefit our residents, not sending them offshore.
A good turn out and great to speak about these and other concerns at the Keep Our Port rally yesterday.” - 21/6/26
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EhdZqwyPk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Rally Speech - 20/6/26 https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18ZyzMBDEZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr