Christchurch Councillor Calls It Quits After 15 Years

After 15 years on Christchurch City Council, Fendalton Ward councillor James Gough has confirmed he won’t be seeking re-election in 2025. First elected in 2010, Gough’s time on Council has spanned the earthquakes, the rebuild, and a decade and a half of major changes in the city including the central Christchurch.

Gough’s local government journey started back in 2007 on the Fendalton–Waimairi

community board, before joining Council months ahead of the 2011 quake. He says it's been a privilege over the years, being part of decision-making on everything from large-scale infrastructure to smaller, hyper-local projects. He pointed to his work on the city centre, Hagley Oval, Te Kaha stadium, and urban redevelopment incentives among his proudest contributions.

But Gough isn’t disappearing from the public eye entirely. He’s planning to stand for the Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board, a more locally focused body within the Council structure back to the roots at community level.

Outside of public office, Gough will take on a new role as Executive Director at The Terrace, a commercial development in the central city founded by his uncle, businessman Antony Gough. 

Gough with former mayor Lianne Dalziel

David Cartwright, a former community board chair, will run in Gough’s place for the Fendalton Ward seat. Both will stand under the Independent Citizens ticket, a centre-right local body group that has been active in Christchurch politics for years.

Gough's departure comes at a time when questions are being asked about what kind of city Christchurch wants to become, how public money should be spent, and what priorities matter most to the next generation of residents.

For younger residents who’ve grown up in post-quake Christchurch, Gough’s name may not always have been front and centre  but like all councillors, decisions made during his time on Council have shaped many aspects of the city’s infrastructure, growth, and urban identity.

The upcoming 2025 local elections will bring new faces, new policies, and potentially a new direction. For those who’ve felt disconnected from local politics, this could be a moment to take a fresh look. Why this is important is that Gough showed that age isn't a barrier, starting his political career at 24 he showed that if you have a passion to serve others and have the drive anyone can have a political career.