Cr Kircher has been an Oamaru ward councillor for three terms, but it is the first time he has stood for the mayoralty.
Mr Familton will seek re-election in October's local body elections. Bruce Cawley, who has contested the past three mayoral elections, and newcomer, Oamaru businessman Ralph Burrell, will also stand.
There had been a rumour Oamaru ward councillor and veteran humorist-author-columnist Jim Hopkins might stand, but he could not be contacted yesterday.
Cr Kircher said he had been asked by many people to stand.
"I have decided I will do so. It has long been a possibility I would eventually stand and now is the time. I'm ready, I have a good record of achievement and I have excellent support," he said yesterday.
"I will stand on my record of being proactive, effective and pragmatic in my approach to working on behalf of ratepayers. I support real progress for our district at an affordable cost," he said.
It was important to be at community events, but it was not just about turning up.
"It's also important to be a part of making things happen for the community and this is a difference I will bring to the role," Cr Kircher said.
He wanted the council to become a more positive organisation for the community and more user-friendly in a number of areas.
"I also want to ensure people get better value for their rates by implementing shared services with neighbouring councils," he said.
Cr Kircher has been closely identified with the Oamaru Harbour upgrades as chairman of the harbour committee.
He lives in Weston with wife Kerry and their two children, Ryan (14) and Alex (10).
