Nominations have opened for the Dunedin City Council and first out of the blocks in the election race were two women both standing for council and the mayoralty.
Cr Houlahan said she was nominated by her mother, Kate Wilson, and former priest Peter Collett.
She described her mother as a mentor and an inspiration.
Cr Houlahan said Dunedin was a shining light for wildlife, fashion, film, digital technology and the start-up sector, but change was needed to support businesses and improve engagement with the community.
Ms Mayhem-Bullock, a Waikouaiti Coast Community Board member for the past two terms and the self-described "mayor of Waitati", is standing just for the council and mayoralty this time.
The list of people who have publicly declared an intention to vie for the mayoralty stands at six so far.
Aaron Hawkins is seeking re-election and he and Cr Houlahan and Ms Mayhem-Bullock are expected to be joined in the race by Crs Jules Radich and Lee Vandervis and former councillor Bill Acklin, who has a background in the entertainment industry.
Nominations for the mayoralty, council and community boards close at noon on August 12.
Info evening
People who want to know more about standing for the Dunedin City Council can attend an information evening this month.
It is being held at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum on July 27, at 6pm.
Acting city council chief executive Robert West said it was important for people from across the community to put themselves forward for election so a wide range of views would be represented at the decision-making table.
"Local body elections are an opportunity for people who are passionate about their community, and who have strong leadership skills, to put their names forward and help shape the direction of our city," Mr West said.
People standing for election have to be New Zealand citizens and on the electoral roll.
A $200 deposit is required.
Postal voting is used in the elections and people need to be enrolled by August 12 to receive voter packs, which will be mailed out from September 16.
Voting ends at noon on October 8.
