The Christchurch City Council won't sell City Care - its construction, roading and parks maintenance business - because it did not get a good enough offer for it.
Christchurch councillor Raf Manji with Mayor Lianne Dalziel Photo: RNZ / Sally Murphy
The council has been under pressure to sell assets to pay for earthquake recovery work.
But strategy and finance committee chairperson Raf Manji told Morning Report the offer received for City Care was not high enough.
The council valued the business at $110 million.
"We didn't get an offer that was compelling enough" - Raf Manji
Mr Manji said the council's financial position was better than expected thanks to low-interest rates, high dividends, and a higher than expected insurance payout, and it will consider raising more debt to cover the shortfall.
A group opposed to the sale of City Care said it was delighted the City Council had decided not to go ahead with it.
Keep Our Assets Canterbury said there was never any justification for selling City Care, and it will continue to oppose the sale of other assets.