Vicki Buck appointed deputy mayor of Chch City Council

Vicki Buck. Photo / File / Richard Robinson

Former mayor Vicki Buck has been appointed deputy mayor of a new-look Christchurch City Council.

Christchurch Mayor Elect Lianne Dalziel made the announcement this morning after behind-closed-doors discussions with council yesterday.

"Vicki brings huge experience to the role, having served as the city's mayor for three terms from 1989 and before that she was a councillor from 1974," said Ms Dalziel.

"Her focus on encouraging a culture of innovation and ideas, essentially fostering the new culture of making things happen, is a perfect fit with the way this new council wants to work."

Ms Buck, the city's first woman mayor, rejoined the council as councillor for the Riccarton-Wigram in the local elections earlier this month.

Fendalton-Waimairi councillor Raf Manji has today also been named as chair of the council's finance committee.

Ms Buck says she is looking forward to her new role.

"This is not a ceremonial role," she said.

"My role will be to ensure that when our residents come to the council with suggestions and ideas, where possible, they happen."

Mr Manji, a first time councillor who had a career in the finance industry including 11 years as an investment banker in London, says he is looking forward to making a contribution in an area that he knows well.

"My priority will be to get the council finances onto a stable footing, understanding the financial commitments and responsibilities of the Long Term Plan as well as working on risk management strategies to ensure that there is confidence about the council's long term finances."

Councillors are working to establish the new standing committees and will make announcements on chairs and deputy chairs, along with portfolio responsibilities as soon as that work is complete.