July 11, 2016

NEWS RELEASE

Environment Canterbury Candidate Information Evening

Between September 16 and when voting closes on October 8, Canterbury voters will have the first opportunity since the 2007 elections to vote for representation on Environment Canterbury Regional Council.

Candidates for seats on the council are being invited to a candidate information evening at 5.30pm on Monday, July 18. The information session will be held at Environment Canterbury, 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch.

“For the last six years we have had a unique governance and statutory arrangement with government-appointed commissioners replacing councillors in May 2010,” said Environment Canterbury Finance Director Miles McConway. “The new Environment Canterbury (Transitional Governance Arrangements) Act 2016 means that this coming election will see more change, as we transition back towards to a fully elected council.

“In October seven councillors will be elected – four from Christchurch, and one each from north, central and south Canterbury—along with up to six government appointed members. Two of the members will be nominated by Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, the South Island iwi. Together, this new council will also retain some of the unique powers given to it under the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act 2010.

“We know we need a strong focus and discipline as an organisation, to be properly resourced and to have a tight grip on delivery. We want to play our part in promoting the region’s economic, social and cultural well-being.”

Background Information:

The Environment Canterbury (Transitional Governance Arrangements) Bill has been passed by Parliament. Under that legislation elections will be held in October for the following electoral issues:

(a) Election of one councillor to represent the South Canterbury Constituency (comprising the areas bounded by the Mackenzie, Timaru and Waimate District Councils and that part of the Waitaki District Council within the Canterbury Region)

(b) Election of one councillor to represent the Mid Canterbury Constituency (comprising the areas bounded by the Ashburton and Selwyn District Councils)

(c) Election of one councillor to represent the North Canterbury Constituency (comprising the areas bounded by the Hurunui, Kaikoura and Waimakariri District Councils)

(d) Election of four councillors, at large, to represent the Christchurch Constituency (comprising the area within the Christchurch City Council boundary).

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