As skateboard doctor Kip Denton, Will Hall was likely voted the Shortland St actor likely to need hospital treatment.
Now, 13 years after his character left the TV soap, Hall wants to win a popularity contest, and with that, a seat on the Christchurch City Council table or the Waikura Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board.
The 42-year-old returned to his hometown early last year and settled in Redcliffs, and the father of two hopes to replace independent Sara Templeton as the Heathcote Ward representative on the council.
Hall, who also stands as an independent, put his acting career on hold to focus on another aspect of being out in the open.
“As an actor, I’ve always felt like I’m on the fringe of community and society because it’s such a passing job,” he said.
“I could shoot a movie in Central Otago and next month I’ll be in Wellington to do a play.
“I have never felt overly settled but with the arrival of Covid and wanting to be there more for my kids, I decided to step back from acting almost two years ago.
“Acting is a somewhat selfish, self-centered profession and this is a way of giving back.
“I felt like I was finally settled in and I thought, ‘What better way to get myself involved in the community?’ said Hall, who works as a philanthropic specialist/fundraiser for the childhood health research organization Cure Kids.
His announcement was coordinated by PR guru and Innes Ward candidate Ali Jones, a supporter of mayoral candidate Phil Mauger.
Hall shared Mauger’s views on the new indoor stadium for the city by drawing a parallel with Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.
“The Dunedin City Council didn’t just pay for that. Queenstown Lakes (district council) put a lot of money into it. Getting your neighbors on board (is key) and getting rid of excess assets you don’t need,” he said.
“I know people are selling assets at a price, but you just have to be strategic about it.”
With his campaign underway, Hall follows the familiar script to get out of the community.
“I look forward to talking to and listening to people with the potential and then advocating for and representing the people of Heathcote,” he said.
“If I got in, I’d just keep moving forward and focus on where we’re going. Let’s build that stadium along with the arts district… things that will take Christchurch from good to great.”