Environment Canterbury
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. 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.
Environment Canterbury candidates
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Colin Meurk
Why I'm standing
I'm a passionate Cantabrian who sees and understands the serious challenges ahead, but also great opportunity and vision for our increasingly sought-after region of natural beauty, talent, education, artistry, culture and creativity, with potential to elevate, promote and market our inclusive, friendly, fair, nature-based, enterprising place-to-be, a much needed model for Aotearoa, and indeed the world.
About me
I have international expertise in landscape and restoration ecology, connecting people and nature in community and universities. I have extensive networks across cultures (both Euro- and Eastern), nations, age groups, iwi and Pasifika. I chair numerous advisory boards (ECan biosecurity/biodiversity). Contributions like Travis Wetland, ChCh360trail, iNaturalist and Ellerslie International Flower Show are recognised through several awards including ONZM. In the end I'll listen and join peoples lived experiences with evidence-based knowledge for solutions that work.
My priorities
- Rebuild trust in government by enabling community voices and vision to be incorporated into decisions.
- Address existential crises, including climate and refugees, flood and water quality by fairer government funding.
- Underpin technology with ecological literacy and ethics to build a responsible, purposeful society.
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