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Four candidates are vying to represent North Canterbury on the Canterbury regional council, Environment Canterbury (ECan).
Incumbent councillors Grant Edge and Claire McKay are being challenged by Kaikōura environmental planner Rachel Vaughan and Loburn farmer Shaun Lissington.
While the … View moreFour candidates are vying to represent North Canterbury on the Canterbury regional council, Environment Canterbury (ECan).
Incumbent councillors Grant Edge and Claire McKay are being challenged by Kaikōura environmental planner Rachel Vaughan and Loburn farmer Shaun Lissington.
While the other three candidates are Waimakariri-based, Vaughan is the only candidate from the northern part of the region.
She worked as a planner for the Kaikōura District Council for 16 years and has worked for both ECan and the West Coast Regional Council.
“I was born in Waimakariri, so I’m North Canterbury through and through,” Vaughan said.
“The north can be forgotten in terms of material resources, but Hurunui and Kaikōura are so important to the region.
“I think Grant has done really well ingoing round the whole constituency, but I think coming from up here will be really valuable.”
Resource Management Act reform and changes to freshwater and indigenous biodiversity management loomed as the biggest challenges for the regional council and these had major implications for Hurunui and Kaikōura, she said.
Lissington is a dryland dairy grazer and “a very proud farmer”.
“It’s a big ask trying to unseat sitting councillors, but I’m going to give it a crack.”
Financial and environmental sustainability were his priorities.
Rates affordability and prioritising spending needed to be the focus for the council going forward, he said.
“Regardless of people’s views on climate change, you only have to look at Nelson and Marlborough to see that it’s real and I don’t think we are doing enough to protect the environment.”
Two-term councillor, McKay said her priorities were ensuring communities had a voice and making sure the council was ‘‘fiscally responsible’’.
Navigating central government reform, ensuring a safe and reliable public transport service for the Greater Christchurch area and climate change were the biggest challenges facing the council, she said.
“As a region, we need to focus on how we adapt and mitigate the risks from climate impacts. Flooding, droughts, sea level rise and erosion are the key risks.”
Managing the region’s rivers and improving community resilience were other priorities.
Edge is seeking a second term on the council.
He said the potential long-term impacts of climate change, with rising sea level and the increased frequency of storm events, loomed on the horizon.
“Rivers have been confined by stopbanks, but as sea level rise it puts pressure on the rivers and the water comes back up the river, we need to think about more creative responses.
“For example, if you look at the Kaiapoi River, we’re facing a situation of it not being able to get out to sea. So, it’s a combination of protection and adaptation.”
The Greater Christchurch spatial plan would ask some “big questions” around property rights and where people can live in the future, Edge said.
“It will be quite stressful for some people.
“Where they once thought they could live, they will no longer be able to.”
Improving public transport was another issue for Waimakariri residents, with services like the MyWay service being trialled in Timaru a potential option to link communities and offer flexibility.
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New Members Welcome. Next Meeting Wednesday 21st September, Belfast Bowling Club Rooms just off Main North Rd in Sheldon Park. Meeting starts at 7.30pm. Bring a friend, partner or a neighbour. Spring Flower Show also. Friendly club who enjoy gardening and fun. Any queries or further info give me a … View moreNew Members Welcome. Next Meeting Wednesday 21st September, Belfast Bowling Club Rooms just off Main North Rd in Sheldon Park. Meeting starts at 7.30pm. Bring a friend, partner or a neighbour. Spring Flower Show also. Friendly club who enjoy gardening and fun. Any queries or further info give me a call on 0274 350 668 or message me on Neighbourly. Ann Taylor Secretary.
Owner downsizing. Furniture, Linen, china, glassware, tons of craft items. etc etc. 5 Fairweather Crescent Kaiapoi. Saturday 10th Sept. Not before 9.am
Local government election meetings are being planned across North Canterbury, amid concerns about the number of ‘‘unknown’’ candidates.
Meeting organisers in the Hurunui district say residents have indicated they want to know what candidates ‘‘stand for’’, after reports about … View moreLocal government election meetings are being planned across North Canterbury, amid concerns about the number of ‘‘unknown’’ candidates.
Meeting organisers in the Hurunui district say residents have indicated they want to know what candidates ‘‘stand for’’, after reports about Voices for Freedom candidates seeking to disrupt local democracy.
The Amberley District Residents’ Association was first out of the blocks with a meeting on Tuesday evening (September 6) for south ward candidates.
Chairperson Roy Myers said a last minute rush which saw 10 candidates vying for four positions meant there were a number of unknown candidates.
‘‘We are just anxious to get them have their say. Aside from two sitting councillors and a former mayor, we have no indication of where people’s allegiances are.’’
He said some residents had expressed concern Voices For Freedom candidates might be standing in Hurunui.
‘‘They’re perfectly free to stand and it’s up to others to make that choice, and we are giving people the opportunity to ask the question.’’
The Leithfield Village Hall is also hosting a south ward candidates’ meeting on September 15 and organiser Jo Hassall said she expected the question of allegiances to be raised.
‘‘I know a couple of people have asked me that and there’s ways to ask it to reveal what people stand for.’’
But she said the focus of the meeting would be ensuring candidates were aware of the issues affecting the Leithfield village.
A meeting was also planned in Greta Valley on September 21 for east ward candidates.
Hurunui District Council deputy electoral officer Naomi Woodham said she was hopeful meetings would be organised in Cheviot and Waipara, as well as daytime meetings, to ensure residents had a chance to question their candidates.
‘‘We always start with local community groups and if the local groups aren’t hosting them, the council will host them.’’
Elections were being held in the south and east wards and the Cheviot Licensing Trust.
In the Waimakariri district, meetings have been organised in Oxford and Pegasus, but there were none confirmed in Rangiora or Kaiapoi where there were high numbers of candidates.
Waimakariri District Council deputy electoral officer Sarah Nichols said she was in contact with local community groups and hoped to be able to confirm more meetings soon.
Pegasus Residents’ Group vice-president Roger Rule said he was not aware of any concerns about Voices For Freedom candidates.
Some preset questions were being prepared for the candidates before opening it up to the audience.
‘‘It will be an opportunity for people to ask questions and find out what people stand for,’’ Rule said.
■ Confirmed meet the candidates meetings:
Hurunui:
- South Ward - 7pm Thursday, September 15, Leithfield Village Hall, Brighton Street. Contact Jo Hassall 027-2422644 or email g.j.hassall33@gmail.com.
- East Ward - 7pm Wednesday, September 21, Greta Valley Hotel.
Kaikōura:
- 7pm Thursday, September 8, St Paul’s Presbyterian Church upper room, 98 Westend, Kaikōura. Hosted by St Paul’s Presbyterian Church - event page on Facebook.
Waimakariri:
- Oxford-Ohoka ward - 7pm Tuesday, September 13, Oxford Working Men’s Club. Contact Doug McPherson, Oxford Lions, 027-2231870.
- Kaiapoi-Woodend ward - 7pm to 8.30pm Thursday September 15, Pegasus Community Centre. Contact Roger Rule, Pegasus Residents’ Association, 021-2550099.
- Woodend-Sefton Community Board - 7pm to 8.30pm Thursday, September 22, Pegasus Community Centre. Contact Roger Rule, Pegasus Residents’ Group, 021-2550099.
From local democracy reporter David Hill
A strong local voice is essential, says Waimakariri District Council acting chief executive Jeff Millward says.
In his pre-election report, Millward said it was essential candidates and voters debated the issues ahead of the local government elections.… View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill
A strong local voice is essential, says Waimakariri District Council acting chief executive Jeff Millward says.
In his pre-election report, Millward said it was essential candidates and voters debated the issues ahead of the local government elections.
Population growth, Covid-19 recovery, rising inflation, central government reform and climate change loom as challenges for the district, he said.
‘‘Since the Canterbury earthquakes the district has experienced a significant and prolonged period of growth and change.
‘‘With our population growth set to continue and reach almost 100,000 by 2050, there are a number of big issues on the horizon that will affect us all.’’
Covid-19 uncertainty had caused significant disruption, impacted the community and the business environment had ‘‘become increasingly difficult’’, Millward said.
Three Waters and Resource Management Act reform and the future of local government review also meant there was a need for a strong local voice, he said.
‘‘There’s a lot that’s still unknown about how these reforms will impact the council, but it is likely there will be an increased focus on community wellbeing and community outcomes.
‘‘There may also be a greater focus on spatial planning and key infrastructure provision at a regional level. Should this happen, it is important a local voice is still heard.’’
Global issues such as climate change, reducing carbon emissions, sustainability and ‘‘supporting a sustainable-focused economy’’ all required local solutions, Millward said.
‘‘Environmental challenges are taking place at the same time as the ongoing growth of the district.’’
To address these issues required ongoing collaboration with the Greater Christchurch Partnership councils, he said.
This included decarbonising the transport system, increased resilience to natural hazards and climate change, accelerating the provision of affordable housing and improving access to employment, education and other services.
He said the councils had undertaken climate change risk assessments and joint spatial planning.
The role of local government in mitigation and adaptation strategies was also being considered.
The changing economic environment in the wake of Covid-19 meant the council and the district were experiencing higher than normal staff turnover, while attracting staff was increasingly difficult.
‘‘Wherever there is change there is also opportunity and potential,’’ Millward said.
‘‘Throughout the next three years the role of a councillor and community board member could change in terms of how you advocate for the community and set the direction for the district’s development.
‘‘There is significant work ahead to achieve and the council’s elected representatives will have to understand, relate and respond
to a number of challenges in short time frames – often in partnership with other groups, areas and stakeholders.’’
Millward said the council was in good shape to face these challenges with its AA long term credit rating with Standard & Poor’s
and its AA CouncilMARK rating in Local Government New Zealand’s excellence programme.
THRIVE OP SHOP RANGIORA is having a SPRING CLEAN SALE with 50% off all stock today, tomorrow and Saturday. Some great bargains for all. We are in the GABLES ARCADE at the New World end.
Excellent condition. Low mileage as hardly used.
36V, 6AH Lithium Battery
250W High Speed Motor
Shimano 7 Derailleur (Gear shift)
Alloy frame
26” tyres
THRIVE OP SHOP RANGIORA is having a SPRING CLEAN SALE. 50% off all stock from Thursday till Saturday. Some great bargains for all. We are in the GABLES ARCADE, New World end.
We use our mobiles in almost every part of our life right?! They keep us up to date and connected with loved ones. They need to be fit for purpose!
So when it comes to choosing a new phone, it’s important to find one that meets your needs, including your budget. Don’t spend hours going from … View moreWe use our mobiles in almost every part of our life right?! They keep us up to date and connected with loved ones. They need to be fit for purpose!
So when it comes to choosing a new phone, it’s important to find one that meets your needs, including your budget. Don’t spend hours going from site to site, shop to shop only to get stuck with a phone that really wasn’t what you wanted! Read PriceMe’s Mobile Phone buying guide for tips, then use PriceMe to compare all mobile phones and stockists without even leaving your couch. Easy right!
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Looking for some turkeys for meat (birds or fertile eggs) and Cayuga ducks.
Cheers,
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