It was a rushed email to council colleagues after the news broke Lianne Dalziel will be seeking a second term as Christchurch's mayor.

She wasn't expecting to make a public announcement yesterday, but ended up confirming her intentions with several people at ANZAC day events around the city.

Ms Dalziel said she was definitely going to put her hand up, but yesterday wasn't part of the plan, with even her fellow councillors kept in the dark.

"I did have to send an email out in a rush saying, 'oops, sorry, accidentally announced that I'm standing again'.

"So, the feedback that I've had has been very overwhelmingly positive, so I'm looking forward to talking to them about that over the next wee while."

Ms Dalziel believes she's achieved unity and stability at the Christchurch City Council, and has built a strong team which has helped gain real credibility with strategic partners and the government.

"And I think that the city is now ready to take up the leadership role that's offered by the new regeneration legislation that's just come into effect, and I am really, really keen to continue to lead the city through that."

However, two weeks ago, Ms Dalziel told Newstalk ZB she was leaning towards running again, but was weary about the emotional toll another term will take on her.

But she says at the time she was sick with a bug, and it all helped to make her feel exhausted.

"All I was doing was saying that it doesn't really matter what position you hold in the city, you can all feel like that at some time. I feel like this city's got a great future ahead of it."

She said if they can address some of the concerns of people stuck in insurance battles, so they can enjoy the same sense of optimism that she has for the city then that would be a good thing.