Environment Canterbury
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.
Downsize the number to nine, ensure four are women, seek the governance skills necessary for members or train members in good governance.
Hold regular outreach sessions with communities across Canterbury as a trust-building exercise and encourage people to watch meeting videos.
Place people and the planet first with the knowledge that trickle-down economics does not work. Ensure ratepayers have clean water.
Engage with communities through regular public meetings and online feedback channels.
Ensure all ratepayers have equal representation by reviewing special appointment powers.
Improve transparency by publishing clear, accessible reports on council spending and decisions.
Continue to embed and improve the council's partnership with Ngāi Tahu, including through joint representation, planning and funding.
Ensure that the local government reforms do not force a one size fits all top-down approach that would diminish the voice of local democracy.
Support the Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū and co-create further engagement pathways for increased youth involvement in decision making.
Identify ways to increase the efficiency of ECan and simplify processes both internal and external.
Make it easier for people from all backgrounds to engage with ECan by being accessible as an elected councillor.
Repeal the Ngāi Tahu Representation Act to remove unelected councillors from ECan while maintaining a strong relationship with Ngāi Tahu.
Downsize the number to nine, ensure four are women, seek the governance skills necessary for members or train members in good governance.
Hold regular outreach sessions with communities across Canterbury as a trust-building exercise and encourage people to watch meeting videos.
Place people and the planet first with the knowledge that trickle-down economics does not work. Ensure ratepayers have clean water.
Engage with communities through regular public meetings and online feedback channels.
Ensure all ratepayers have equal representation by reviewing special appointment powers.
Improve transparency by publishing clear, accessible reports on council spending and decisions.
Continue to embed and improve the council's partnership with Ngāi Tahu, including through joint representation, planning and funding.
Ensure that the local government reforms do not force a one size fits all top-down approach that would diminish the voice of local democracy.
Support the Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū and co-create further engagement pathways for increased youth involvement in decision making.
Identify ways to increase the efficiency of ECan and simplify processes both internal and external.
Make it easier for people from all backgrounds to engage with ECan by being accessible as an elected councillor.
Repeal the Ngāi Tahu Representation Act to remove unelected councillors from ECan while maintaining a strong relationship with Ngāi Tahu.
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