“Bugger that” Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger fixes what council wouldn’t: Eyesore finally moved

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Jan 18, 2025 |
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger moving an eyesore abandoned unit out of resident's view.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger has personally resolved an issue council staff ignored for months, relocating an abandoned double trailer unit in Aranui, that had become a magnet for vandalism and an eyesore for residents.

Frustrated by the lack of action, despite months of complaints from locals, Mauger took matters into his own hands, borrowing a family truck to get the job done on Cuthbert’s Road.

“I thought bugger that, so borrowed a truck and popped out there today and moved it down the road away from homes. I’ll leave it to staff to deal with it now.”

In a Facebook video capturing the moment, Mauger showed himself securing the trailer to the truck and driving it away.

He said couldn’t believe nothing had been done, so decided it was time to “move it out of everyone’s way.”

The trailer had been a source of anger for residents, who said it blocked their view and diminished the area’s appeal.

After relocating the unit to a less visible spot near a car park further down the road, Mauger announced on camera, “Here we are, job done. Cuthberts Road – I’ve moved it all the way down there, just past that car park on the right-hand side of the road. The people can now see the hills. They’ll be as happy as Larry. And here it is, out of the way and safe.”

Residents praised Mauger’s decisive action, contrasting it with the months of inaction from council staff.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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