Thousands gather to protest Council | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

Thousands have gathered in Christchurch to protest against the dysfunctional Christchurch City Council and its controversial chief executive Tony Marryatt.

The protests, in a vacant lot next to the City Council headquarters, have been prompted by recent council in-fighting that has impacted on the city's earthquake recovery, and a $68,000 pay rise offered to Mr Marryatt, which he has just rejected amid a barrage of public criticism.

The protesters are calling for Mr Marryatt, and in some cases the entire council, to be sacked, and for fresh council elections to be held.

One placard amongst the crowd read "the face of greed just got very ugly".

Another said "enough is enough" and "we deserve better".

Several city councillors are among the hundreds who have gathered.

Briarn Blokker, 19, said she had come out to protest because she had lost her job during the earthquakes and was appalled at the pay rise given to Mr Marryatt.

She wanted to see him sacked.