Christchurch is split into 16 wards, each represented by a city councillor. There are also six community boards that focus on local issues and give residents a voice in decisions affecting their neighborhoods. The Central Ward is part of the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board, which also covers the Papanui and Innes Wards.
Community boards represent local residents and provide advice to the city council. They help with decisions on things like parks, streets, and community projects. This isn’t a leadership or councillor role—community board members focus on local representation and advice, not city-wide laws.
Your voice matters— learn how the community board works!
Kia ora! I’m Vivian Wang, a mother of two, passionate about building strong, inclusive communities in Christchurch Central. I live every day to the fullest. Professionally, I work in the tertiary education sector and also run fitness classes as an instructor. On top of that, I volunteer by hosting a radio show and contributing to other community initiatives.
As a student, I was highly active in governance as an exec and founded an award-winning student society. Now that I’ve moved on from student life, I’m running for the Community Board—not because I think I deserve this opportunity more than anyone else, but because I believe we need people like me on the board: someone younger, still learning, full of potential, and ready to make the most of this opportunity.
If selected, I plan to serve a maximum of one term, dedicating my time to supporting the next generation of candidates under 30. My experiences have shown me the power of people working together for positive change. I believe in practical solutions, open conversations, and creating opportunities for everyone. These experiences guide my priorities: safer streets, better infrastructure, and community spaces that support families, young professionals, and pet owners.
Central Ward is full of young people — students, young professionals, and emerging community leaders — yet the current community board's average age exceeds 50. I keep wondering: why are there no young members representing a city made of young voices?
I’m standing as a young person with no political backing, no big funding — just passion, talent, and a genuine desire to experiment and see what happens when someone like me steps up. It’s wild that positions meant for everyday people often feel reserved for affiliated candidates or “old money,” and I want to change that.
Young people bring fresh ideas, creativity, and a real understanding of contemporary challenges. Our voices deserve to be heard, and we can contribute meaningfully to decision-making that affects our everyday lives.
As a young Asian New Zealander, I bring resourcefulness, practical problem-solving, and strong communication skills to connect with a diverse community and approach challenges efficiently.
If elected, I will serve a maximum of one term — to open the door for others. I also want to build a pool of under-30 candidates for the next election, since I know how many barriers stop young people from running.
I’m standing to make sure younger residents have a seat at the table, to show that passion and talent matter, and to create a more inclusive, dynamic, and forward-looking community board.
Honouring the connections and relationships that shape our community and guide who I am.
Caring for and supporting others with respect and kindness, creating a space where everyone feels welcomed.
Protecting and nurturing our environment and resources, encouraging sustainability and stewardship.
Ensuring their voices are heard and supported in local decisions.
Improving safety and accessibility in our neighbourhoods.
Creating safe spaces for children, pets, and the community.
Supporting local infrastructure to meet community needs.
Backing small businesses and community initiatives.
Promoting practical, sustainable, and transparent decision-making.
Candidate information session held at Tūranga
Candidate nominations open & electoral roll opens for inspection
Candidate nominations close at noon & electoral roll closes
Public notice of election day and candidates
Voting opens
Delivery of voting documents
Election day, voting closes at noon
Declaration of results
Make sure you’re enrolled to vote so your voice is heard in shaping the future of Christchurch Central. Enrol, update, or check your enrolment status here
Note: You can still enrol after voting starts, by using a special vote process.
