NZ Local Elections 2025

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. 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.

Candidates

Policies

Explore the candidates in your area

Sara Gerard

Sara Gerard

The People's Choice

Deon Swiggs

Deon Swiggs

Independent

Colin Meurk

Colin Meurk

The People's Choice

Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett

Why I'm standing

I am standing because I am dissatisfied with how things have been going with leadership at Environment Canterbury in recent years, because I believe I have something to offer, and because I have realised it is the right time for me to do so.

About me

I have experience working at the interface of local government and communities and I know how councils work. I have a proven ability to unite people and tackle challenges from multiple perspectives. I am also academically qualified and my experience in work and life means I can view problems from multiple perspectives.

My priorities
  1. Achieve a united, effective council which communicates openly and builds trust.
  2. Balance regulatory pressure with local partnerships and innovation to drive improvement.
  3. Make public transport as user friendly as possible – reliable, on time, and safe.
Residence

Prebbleton

Age

51

Connect via
Why I'm standing

I am standing because I am dissatisfied with how things have been going with leadership at Environment Canterbury in recent years, because I believe I have something to offer, and because I have realised it is the right time for me to do so.

About me

I have experience working at the interface of local government and communities and I know how councils work. I have a proven ability to unite people and tackle challenges from multiple perspectives. I am also academically qualified and my experience in work and life means I can view problems from multiple perspectives.

My priorities
  1. Achieve a united, effective council which communicates openly and builds trust.
  2. Balance regulatory pressure with local partnerships and innovation to drive improvement.
  3. Make public transport as user friendly as possible – reliable, on time, and safe.
Residence

Prebbleton

Age

51

Connect via

Mayor

Compare the mayoral candidates in your area

Explore

Local council

Compare the candidates for your city or district council

Explore

Regional council

Compare the candidates for your regional council

Explore

Local board

Compare the candidates for your local or community board

Explore