Environment Southland
Environment Southland is the regional council for Southland. 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 12 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). Six councillors will be elected from the Invercargill-Rakiura constituency. 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 Southland election.
Environment Southland candidates
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Gemma McGrath
Why I'm standing
Our Southland/Murihiku environment is our greatest community asset, and it is precious. I am concerned about the health of our rivers and inshore ecosystems, the amount of bycatch of taonga species occurring off our coasts, and the erosion of coastal dumps out to sea. With a scientific communication and conservation background, I actively listen and explain complex issues well. I understand multiple peoples' perspectives and want to help navigate the challenging times ahead.
About me
I'm a daughter, sister, fiancé, mum of a tween and a new baby; and a dolphin scientist. For the past two decades I've been leading collaborative initiatives with lots of community and iwi engagement. These skills and experiences have prepared me to be a great advocate for our communities and natural environment. I'm authentic, creative thinking and passionate about empowering our wāhine/women and rangatahi/young people into leadership roles for our taiao/environment.
My priorities
- Prepare for increased coastal erosion; building resilience with climate change is essential.
- Restore the health of our water/wai, so it is even better for future generations.
- Enhance biodiversity from the mountains to the sea; restore taonga to species that thrive again.
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