2010 East and West Christchurch Environmental Forums Report
We would like to thank everyone who attended our North Canterbury Forest & Bird East and West Christchurch 2010 Environmental Local Body Forums, particularly the candidates and Ann Brower who brilliantly chaired both of the Forums. The East Forum was held at the Woolston Club Sports Bar on Monday 27th September and the West Forum at the Aurora Centre Green Room on Tuesday 28th September.
Although the turnout wasn't as large as we’d hoped, both meetings were very successful as forums like these give the community an opportunity to hear/discuss the candidates’ proposals and make informed voting decisions. The mayoral candidates and a cross-section of party and independent City Council candidates had their say, while they listened to the audiences’ views about Canterbury's natural ecosystems and resources.
We discussed the protection of groundwater from land-use contamination, surface/sewage runoff into our rivers, estuaries, harbours; biodiversity – plans for protection, maintenance and enhancement of, e.g. dunes, hills and parklands; water quality and its management strategies; eco-friendly development for rebuilding the city, energy and resource efficient housing, industry and transport, taking in account climate change; clean air policy – reducing use of fossil fuels; the protection of Banks Peninsula’s unique landscapes and communities; public participation in a sustainable future for Christchurch and its environs.
The candidates spoke of their level of commitment and strategies they will put in place, if elected, re the increase of, among other things, community funding. The majority of candidates support Community Boards and the reintroduction of councillor standing committees helped by stronger Community Boards. Kerry Burke proposed the inclusion of an environmental standing committee.
The potential risks to Christchurch’s pure drinking water supply from the extraction of freshwater from the Waimakariri River for the proposed Central Plains irrigation scheme was extensively discussed. The subject of wetlands was raised and all candidates indicated a clear intention to enhance wetland areas e.g. Bexley. Jane Demeter pointed out the shortfalls in protecting our city’s native biodiversity, including natural grasslands west of the city in its aquifer recharge zone. Stand Up Christchurch’s Grant Mangin spoke of their proposed Precious Water Project where people are helped in purchasing devices, e.g. for rainwater collection, to help with household water use; of urban creep into the city’s surrounding green areas while many inner city spaces just lie vacant. Peter Hill and Kevin Blogg added a rural perspective to the issues discussed, issues that could be future problems for the City. It's heartening to hear that most of the candidates who attended take these matters seriously and have planned good strategies to deal with them.
Three environmentally concerned mayoral candidates were present at each of our Forums. Jim Anderton and Rik Tindall attended both while Blair Anderson and Peter Wakeman attended our East and West Forums respectively. Mayoral candidate Bob Parker was also invited to attend both forums but did not respond to either of our invitations.
The Panel Candidates for the Forums were as follows:
East Christchurch 2010 Environmental Local Body Forum
Burwood-Pegasus Ward: Glenn Livingstone - The People’s Choice: Labour for 2021; Rik Tindall - Our Water Our City (also Mayoralty Candidate)
Hagley-Ferrymead Ward: Tim Carter – Independent; Peter Taylor - The People’s Choice: 2021
Spreydon-Heathcote Ward: Kerry Burke - Independent – The People’s Choice
Banks Peninsula Ward: Kevin Blogg – Independent
From the floor: The People’s Choice: Labour for 2021 Hagley-Ferrymead Ward candidate Yani Johanson contributed to a very constructive East Forum.
West Christchurch 2010 Environmental Local Body Forum
Fendalton-Waimairi Ward: Sally Buck – Independent; Grant Mangin - Stand Up Christchurch
Shirley-Papanui Ward: Jane Demeter – Independent; Christoph Hensch - Independent
Riccarton-Wigram Ward: Helen Broughton - Independent Citizens
Selwyn Central Ward: Peter Hill – Independent
From the floor: Stand Up Christchurch’s other Fendalton-Waimairi Ward candidate Sharon Torstonson, Our Water Our City’s Riccarton-Wigram Ward candidate Julianna Venning and independent Kerry Burke all contributed to a very constructive West Forum.
