One of Rotorua's most seasoned politician has announced he will stand for re-election for the Rotorua Lakes Council in the October local body polls.

Charles Sturt, who has recently undergone an operation for cancer, says he has recovered.

He picked Mother's Day to announce his decision as a tribute to his wife and family, who had stood by him during his recent serious health difficulties.

Always combative, and sometimes a maverick, Sturt has had close to 30 years, with broken service, on the council.

He has crossed swords with previous mayors but has found sanctuary with the incumbent, Steve Chadwick, who appointed him to the chairmanship of the operations and monitoring committee.

Here he has carried out his duties with aplomb and remains an effective councillor, sharp on detail and ever inquisitive.

His latest mission to uncover the culprit, or ‘sculprit', who leaked information to a site and a letter to the local paper relating to increased costs of the Hemo Gorge sculpture.

Announcing his decision today, Sturt has assured his supporters he has 'always been a fighter” for his family. He paid a tribute to his wife, Denise. 'She has sacrificed so much to ensure I get well and we have fought together,” he said in a Facebook posty.

A picture shows him working in his garden. 'That's helped me overcome my sickness,” he wrote.

As significantly, he has also mentioned fellow politicians who have helped.

'With my gardening the support of our mayor Chadwick and councillors Dave (Donaldson), Trevor (Maxwell), Merepeka (Raukawa-Tait), Tania (Tapsell), Rob (Ken), Karen (Hunt) and Shirley Trumper plus our democratic department …. Have been so supportive in my fightback to good health.” Sturt said.

He stamps his campaign motto as ‘wisdom and experience do count'.

A raft of new aspirants this term includes Matthew Martin, a former prominent local body reporter of nearly decade, who ended his time with the local daily newspaper around a year ago. Since then, Martin has been involved in various editorial projects.

Other names confirmed are Ryan Gray, a public servant; Rawiri Bhana, a trustee on Maori boards; Alan Solomon of OneChance NZ and Kaye Sparke, aged 23, who standing because 'diversity is necessary”.

Steve Chadwick and Reynold Macpherson have also emerged to contest the mayoralty.