Former Christchurch councillor withdraws from election race

Wednesday, 30 July 2025

James Daniels announced on Wednesday he will not stand for the coastal ward in the October local body elections, despite saying in May, he would.

Former Christchurch city councillor James Daniels has pulled out of October’s local body elections, citing a change to his personal situation.

The former radio personality announced in May he was standing as a councillor again in the council’s coastal ward.

He was previously elected as a councillor in the ward in 2019, but left the role in July 2021, halfway through his first term, to co-host a radio show.

At the time, Daniels said it was a “once-in-a-lifetime chance” to work with Simon Barnett.

His departure forced a by-election, costing the council about $65,000.

In May, Daniels announced he wanted to return to the council table because he believed the coastal community needed a stronger voice.

He copped a fair bit of criticism for his decision to come back but also a lot of support.

However, on Wednesday, via social media Daniels said: “After much thought and many conversations with my wife and whānau, I am no longer standing in the council election.”

He said he was excited at the prospect of representing the coastal community, but he could no longer do that to his fullest ability, due to changes in his personal situation.

James Daniels is throwing his support behind community board member Jo Zervos to win the coastal ward.

It is not clear what those changes are.

Daniels did not want to comment further other than to say his decision to pull out was not health related.

His post said he had not made the decision lightly and wanted to sincerely thank the many people who had supported and encouraged him so far.

The move leaves just two candidates who have so far put their names forward to represent the coastal ward - incumbent Celeste Donovan and Waitai Coastal Burwood Linwood Community Board member Jo Zervos.

Daniels has thrown his support behind Zervos, saying she has the integrity, experience and community heart to be a strong voice for the ward.

“I encourage all of you who’ve backed me to now get behind Zervos. Coastal needs her kind of leadership.”

Daniels also reiterated his support for the re-election of Phil Mauger as mayor.

He is the second person to pull out of the council election this week. On Wednesday, city councillor James Gough announced he was calling time on his 15-year career as a councillor.

Gough will be seeking a seat on the Waimāero Fendalton Waimairi Harewood Community Board instead.

Nominations for the October 11 election close at midday on Friday.