Who are the other contenders?

City councillor Jamie Gough is non-committal about a potential tilt at the Christchurch mayoralty.

The third-term councillor representing the Fendalton ward said he would spend his summer break weighing up his options.

‘‘What is very clear is the next three years are going to be critical for Christchurch,’’ Gough said.

Veteran activist John Minto has not yet made a decision, despite losing by thousands of votes at the last election. He said he would not stand again unless he was backed by a group like Keep Our Assets (KOA). He said city leadership around housing had been ‘‘woeful’’.

National MP Nicky Wagner said she would not make a decision until the new year.

Former rebuild minister Gerry Brownlee had ‘‘no comment to make’’ but instead fired a salvo: ‘‘They’re a directionless council that have no answer other than to put up rates.’’

Central City Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale said it was ‘‘not on the radar’’ at the moment.

Dalziel’s deputy Andrew Turner has said he wants the top job, but will not run against Dalziel.

Cr Aaron Keown said he would rather be a councillor.

Cr Raf Manji ruled it out in July, saying it would be his last term as a councillor. Cr Vicki Buck, who is a former city mayor, previously ruled out standing for mayor. Cr Sara Templeton said she would not stand for mayor.