Prime Minister John Key has congratulated Bob Parker on being re-elected as Mayor of Christchurch.
Mr Parker received 68,000 votes, 17,000 more than his closest rival, Wigram MP Jim Anderton.
Mr Key says it can be hard to get a good public profile at local government level, but the Canterbury earthquake on 4 September showed voters Mr Parker's management and leadership skills.
He says the people of Christchurch feel confident in their mayor's leadership.