Former councillor who left, forcing a by-election, wants his job back

Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Former Christchurch City councillor James Daniels, who left halfway through a term to pursue a “once-in-a-lifetime” career opportunity, wants his old job back.

The former radio personality announced on Wednesday he will stand again in the Coastal ward, six years after he was first elected in 2019.

Daniels left his councillor role in July 2021 to co-host an afternoon show on Newstalk ZB alongside Simon Barnett. The decision forced a by-election, costing the Christchurch City Council about $65,000.

This week, he said he was head-hunted for the radio role and it was a “once-in-a-lifetime chance” to work with Barnett.

It was an incredible opportunity, he said, but he understood some residents felt let down by his decision.

“I hear you and I’m sorry. But life has its twists and turns, although my life and heart have always been centred in the east.”

When asked what would happen if he got another dream job offer if he was elected again, Daniels said even if he won Lotto he would see the term through.

Daniels left the radio job last year when Barnett also left. Daniels said he was offered another contract but did not want to do it without Barnett.

He was approached by People’s Choice, the Labour-aligned political grouping to stand for the regional council, Environment Canterbury, Daniels said.

“I thought about it for a while, but I don’t want to be told how to vote. I was quite flattered to be asked.”

He ended up saying no, but it got him thinking about another tilt at the city council.

Other people had also approached him about standing again, he said.

When asked if his good friend mayor Phil Mauger was one of them, Daniels said Mauger jokingly mentioned it at his 70th birthday party earlier this year.

“He (Mauger) did a little speech and said he looked forward to me coming back to council.”

Daniels said that was the first time Mauger had mentioned it, but he was already thinking about it by that point.

Since leaving radio last year, Daniels has been working alongside his children in the family business, which installs passive fire protections in buildings.

But in a dig at incumbent Celeste Donovan, Daniels said he believed the coastal community needed a stronger voice at the council table.

Daniels said he was not criticising what Donovan had done on council.

“I’ve watched what’s been happening around the council table and I’m frustrated. Phil Mauger is a good man, trying hard to do the right thing for Christchurch, but he doesn't have the numbers to get practical outcomes across the line - especially for our side of the city. Coastal deserves better.”

Daniels said he was not saying he would agree with Mauger on everything, but the pair had a great relationship with mutual respect.

“What he needs are more independent, experienced councillors willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. That’s what I bring.”

Despite, his support for Mauger, Daniels said he had always been fiercely independent and did not take instructions from any party or special interest group.

“I vote based on what’s right for our people and our future.”

Daniels no longer lives in the Coastal ward, after moving since the 2019 election. He now lives on the border in Burwood ward.

“My feet are on the border but my heart has always been in that ward (Coastal).”

Daniels said he would campaign on a platform of practical solutions for the Coastal ward, including lowering rate increases and demanding better value for ratepayer dollars.

He also wanted the council to invest in the Coastal commercial precinct, improve housing supply, safety and resilience.