A new town mayor has been formally appointed in Christchurch for the 2026-27 municipal year.

Councillor Maggie Fidler was confirmed as Town Mayor of Christchurch during the Civic and Ceremonial Mayor Making at Druitt Hall on Wednesday 13 May 2026, with Councillor Sandra Prudom appointed as Deputy Mayor.

The ceremony began with town councillors gathering at the old town hall before joining a civic procession to Druitt Hall. The procession was led by the town crier and included Scouts, Guides, civic representatives, the Town Clerk, Honorary Freemen and Freedoms, and mayoral guides.

Outgoing Town Mayor Councillor Viv Charrett welcomed guests and marked the end of her term. She also presented a cheque for £3831 to the Mayor’s Charity for 2025-26, the Christchurch Carnival Committee.

Councillor Fidler used her inaugural address to set out plans to improve links between the council and local residents, saying some people in Christchurch feel “underrepresented” and disconnected.

She said one of her priorities is to “engage with the full range of people across Christchurch” and to celebrate the town as “a destination of choice for locals as well as visitors”.

The new mayor also spoke about protecting and sharing Christchurch’s heritage with future generations, saying the town has “a fantastic heritage that we need to preserve”.

Councillor Fidler has chosen Christchurch International Scouting as her charity for 2026-27 and confirmed her son as Town Mayor’s Consort.