In 1959, election were held for the Mayor of Christchurch plus other local government positions.

Sitting mayor George Manning was re-elected for a full term, with a decreased majority, opposed only by Harold Smith of the Citizens' Association.

Smith was successful in winning a seat on the council and was appointed deputy mayor.

[2] The overall anti-Labour vote (which was consistent nationwide) was attributed to the unpopularity of the then Labour government.

[3] Prime Minister Walter Nash commented simply "We seem to have held the mayoralties" in reference that in Christchurch (as well as in Wellington and Lower Hutt) Labour mayors were re-elected despite voters electing majority centre-right councils.