In 1965, election were held for the Mayor of Christchurch plus other local government positions.

The polling was conducted using the standard first-past-the-post electoral method.

Sitting mayor George Manning was re-elected for a fourth time, defeating his main opponent councillor Peter Skellerup of the Citizens' Association and two other candidates.

Labour gained an extra seat on the city council, but lost it after special votes were counted.

This left the composition of the council at seven seats to twelve in favour of the Citizens' Association.