Shootout in the western ward
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Incumbent Ashburton councillor Rodger Letham has accused challenger Dame Lynda Topp of displaying “a lot of naivety” in a public candidates’ session.
The pair, vying for two council seats from the Western Ward, along with existing Ashburton District Council deputy mayor Liz McMillan, crossed swords at the Grey Power meet the candidates meeting
It took place when Letham answered a question around the proposed Ashburton Airport 30-year development plan, which Topp fired back at, demanding existing councillors not rush things through during the election.
“We don’t know half of what’s going on with that plan,’’ she said.
“It’s not fair that people, who are standing now as new candidates, are going to inherit things this council is trying to push through in a rush.”
Letham took umbrage to her comments, outlining the process of the proposed development plan. That plan was due to come back to the council on October 5, which would be the current council’s last week on the job.
“There’s a lot of naivety there in the comments that have been made,’’ Letham said.
The public – including any potential candidates – had the opportunity to submit on the plan during the consultation process, he said.
There were 109 submissions received, with many of those speaking at the hearing.
“Those submissions will be taken into account and a new plan, including the submissions that were made, will be put before the council on October 5,” Letham said.
“To say that incoming councillors, or possible incoming councillors, haven’t had an opportunity is not true.
“Everybody in this district has had equal opportunity to have made a submission and have a look at the development plan.
“With all due respects to Lynda, there is a little bit of naivety there, jumping the gun.”
Earlier, Topp used her stage presence to deliver a passionate speech, calling herself “the new cow gal for the western ward”.
She criticised the council spending money on the beautification of Ashburton when the roads and footpaths were in dire need. She even quoted some sage advice from her 93-year-old mother.
“There is no point in having a fancy garden if you can’t get to it.’’
Topp came out swinging, saying the time was up for some existing councillors and “what we need is some new blood”.
“I’m the new blood in the Western Ward.”
* Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
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Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
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