Environment Canterbury

Christchurch West/Ōpuna Constituency
Environment Canterbury is the regional council for Canterbury. It makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of up to 16 councillors. 14 councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region), including two councillors from the Christchurch West/Ōpuna constituency. Up to two councillors can be appointed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Environment Canterbury election.

Climate change and resilience

Climate change poses a huge challenge for communities as more frequent extreme weather events require us to rethink how we live and where. Local authorities are at the forefront of efforts to respond, with responsibilities for environmental planning and regulation, as well as civil defence. Many councils have plans to reduce emissions in their area and are working to help their communities adapt to a warming world.

Climate change and resilience

Climate change poses a huge challenge for communities as more frequent extreme weather events require us to rethink how we live and where. Local authorities are at the forefront of efforts to respond, with responsibilities for environmental planning and regulation, as well as civil defence. Many councils have plans to reduce emissions in their area and are working to help their communities adapt to a warming world.

  • Ensure Environment Canterbury works proactively and in partnership with mana whenua, territorial authorities and communities to future-proof our region for climate change.

    Implement a climate change levy to enable greater funding and support for mitigation and adaptation.

    Make Mass Rapid Transit public transport a reality for Greater Christchurch.

  • Enhance land use planning to ensure resources are not over allocated.

    Reducing greenhouse emissions from the transport fleets.

    Planting more trees in the city and within the region and enhancing the riparian planting around waterways.

  • Environment Canterbury must walk their talk when it comes to reducing the carbon footprints of the operational practices, the councillors and staff.

    Establish clear boundaries about flooding and future proofing the areas we know will flood. Help families move to higher ground permanently.

    The rest of Canterbury especially near the divide must take earthquakes strengthening seriously.

  • Engage much more firmly with China to reduce world emissions alongside local government actions addressing resident/business initiatives.

    Better align the NZ Defence Force as a NZ-wide civil emergency service more integrated with civil defence and local authorities.

    Review low-lying NZ communities with a longer-term plan for higher-ground relocation if that is a better spend vs ongoing flood mitigation.

  • Ensure Environment Canterbury works proactively and in partnership with mana whenua, territorial authorities and communities to future-proof our region for climate change.

    Implement a climate change levy to enable greater funding and support for mitigation and adaptation.

    Make Mass Rapid Transit public transport a reality for Greater Christchurch.

  • Enhance land use planning to ensure resources are not over allocated.

    Reducing greenhouse emissions from the transport fleets.

    Planting more trees in the city and within the region and enhancing the riparian planting around waterways.

  • Environment Canterbury must walk their talk when it comes to reducing the carbon footprints of the operational practices, the councillors and staff.

    Establish clear boundaries about flooding and future proofing the areas we know will flood. Help families move to higher ground permanently.

    The rest of Canterbury especially near the divide must take earthquakes strengthening seriously.

  • Engage much more firmly with China to reduce world emissions alongside local government actions addressing resident/business initiatives.

    Better align the NZ Defence Force as a NZ-wide civil emergency service more integrated with civil defence and local authorities.

    Review low-lying NZ communities with a longer-term plan for higher-ground relocation if that is a better spend vs ongoing flood mitigation.