Environment Canterbury

Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi 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 Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi 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.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Work with and set up a database recording the history of the Canterbury environment through the eyes of the older generation.

    Engage with the public and hear what they want with weekly meet the councillor walk-in meetings.

    Make Environment Canterbury more accessible to the public and encourage public engagement.

  • Continue with the present willingness of Environment Canterbury councillors to be accessible to the public. Work to restore trust after the Environment Canterbury Act 2010.

    Find ways to allow councillors to set strategy (I am troubled to be told by current councillors that they have no power).

    Effect a culture change with Environment Canterbury staff (Environment Canterbury is no longer run by government commissioners).

  • Work with and set up a database recording the history of the Canterbury environment through the eyes of the older generation.

    Engage with the public and hear what they want with weekly meet the councillor walk-in meetings.

    Make Environment Canterbury more accessible to the public and encourage public engagement.

  • Continue with the present willingness of Environment Canterbury councillors to be accessible to the public. Work to restore trust after the Environment Canterbury Act 2010.

    Find ways to allow councillors to set strategy (I am troubled to be told by current councillors that they have no power).

    Effect a culture change with Environment Canterbury staff (Environment Canterbury is no longer run by government commissioners).