Christchurch votes for unitary authority, rejects super city by one vote

Christchurch City Council voted to keep its current boundaries and absorb Canterbury Regional Council's functions as a unitary authority, rejecting a greater Christchurch super city. Mayor Phil Mauger's preferred metro option — bringing in Rangiora, Rolleston and other neighbouring towns — lost by a single vote. Seven Labour-aligned councillors and two independents opposed it over amalgamation costs, rates, and lack of community mandate in neighbouring districts.