Ms Dutt was the last of 14 candidates to put their name forward for the council’s by-election, which was triggered by the resignation of Nigel Skelt last month.
The other candidates are Steve Broad, Sebastien Fabre, Carl Edward Heenan, David John Hicks, Terry King, Graham Lewis, Rob Te Maiharoa, David Meades, Tom Morton, Andrea Murrell, David Pottinger, Ian Reeves and Lisa Tou-McNaughton.
Ms Dutt said she felt there was a concern in the city about the reasons which triggered the by-election and she believed her experience combined with her law degree was the right fit for the city.
"Like, why are we having an election at all? It’s like a cone of silence has really fallen over the council and the councillors and there needs to be transparency and accountability before we can get on to the bigger picture."
She said Sir Tim had been strongly encouraging her to run for council for some time, but she believed now was the right time.
"He is absolutely delighted."
It was her first time running but at the same time she had served the city for more than two decades as Sir Tim’s partner, she said.
"I’m hardly a novice."
Mr King, who is Grey Power national president and a former Southern District Health Board member, said he believed the region needed a stronger voice since the changes in the last election.
"With the removal of all district health boards, the community no longer has an effective voice to lobby central government on health issues and there’s been a change to local government, which requires council have regard to the welfare and wellbeing of the community.
"And and so I think it’s important to emphasise the social wellbeing of our people and think it’s also important that the mayor and council have their finger on the pulse in regards to health issues."
Council deputy electoral officer and manager governance and legal Michael Morris said he was happy with the strong number of candidates as the last by-election in 2021 attracted only nine candidates.
"It’s a great mix and extremely encouraging for the community to see so many people from such diverse backgrounds putting their hands up, and who obviously care about council and the work that they do."
Voting papers would be sent out from July 14 and election day was August 4, he said.
