As the skateboarding doctor Kip Denton, Will Hall was probably voted the Shortland St actor most likely to require hospital treatment.
The 42-year-old returned to his home town early last year, settling in Redcliffs, and the father-of-two hopes to replace independent Sara Templeton as the Heathcote Ward representative on council.
Hall, who is also standing as an independent, put his acting career on hold to focus on another aspect of being in the public eye.
“As an actor I’ve always felt I’m on the periphery of the community and society because it’s such a transient job," he said.
"I could be shooting a film down in Central Otago and the next month I'm in Wellington doing a play.
“I've never felt overly settled but with the advent of Covid and wanting to be there more for my children I decided to step back from acting almost two years ago.
"Acting is a somewhat selfish, self-centered profession and this is a way to give back.
"I felt like I'm finally settled and I thought: 'What better way to involve myself in the community?" said Hall, who works as a philanthropic specialist/fundraiser for child health research organisation Cure Kids.
His announcement was co-ordinated by PR guru and Innes Ward candidate Ali Jones, a supporter of mayoral candidate Phil Mauger.
Hall shared Mauger's views on the new covered stadium for the city by drawing a parallel with Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium.
"Dunedin council didn't pay for that on their own. Queenstown Lakes (district council) put a lot of money into it. Getting your neighbours on board (is key), and getting rid of any excess assets you don't need," he said.
"I know people are anti-selling assets but you just have to be strategic about it."
With his campaign now under way, Hall follows the familiar script of getting out among the community.
"I'm looking forward to chatting to people and listening to them with the potential to then advocate for and represent the people of Heathcote," he said.
"If I got in I'd be looking to just keep moving forward and focus on where we're going. Get that stadium built along with the arts precinct ... things that'll take Christchurch from good to great."
