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.
Achieve a united, effective council which communicates openly and builds trust as one team and in partnership with the community.
Build an organisation with capability to engage very effectively at a local level so we can develop opportunities to do things better.
Put accountability at the heart of everything Environment Canterbury does.
Embrace the partnership council has with Ngāi Tahu and uphold representation under the Canterbury Regional Council – Ngāi Tahu partnership.
Recognise the vital importance of water and uphold the fundamental concept and principles of Te Mana o te Wai with communities.
Support catchment management groups to enhance biodiversity, address pests, sedimentation and water pollution.
Ensure decision-making is transparent and timely so community voice is heard through citizen assemblies that co-design better futures.
Ensure governance is fit for purpose, integrated across all layers with Māori representation and a platform for Pasifika and all ethnic voices.
Rebuild trust in governance through transparent, evidence-based and collective decisions that ratepayers understand.
Establish citizen panels with random selection to review major policies, budgets and long-term plans before council decisions are made.
Implement performance dashboards tracking decision timeframes, public satisfaction and staff productivity with quarterly public reporting.
Streamline council meeting procedures to reduce bureaucracy, increase debate quality and empower elected members for faster decision-making.
Achieve a united, effective council which communicates openly and builds trust as one team and in partnership with the community.
Build an organisation with capability to engage very effectively at a local level so we can develop opportunities to do things better.
Put accountability at the heart of everything Environment Canterbury does.
Embrace the partnership council has with Ngāi Tahu and uphold representation under the Canterbury Regional Council – Ngāi Tahu partnership.
Recognise the vital importance of water and uphold the fundamental concept and principles of Te Mana o te Wai with communities.
Support catchment management groups to enhance biodiversity, address pests, sedimentation and water pollution.
Ensure decision-making is transparent and timely so community voice is heard through citizen assemblies that co-design better futures.
Ensure governance is fit for purpose, integrated across all layers with Māori representation and a platform for Pasifika and all ethnic voices.
Rebuild trust in governance through transparent, evidence-based and collective decisions that ratepayers understand.
Establish citizen panels with random selection to review major policies, budgets and long-term plans before council decisions are made.
Implement performance dashboards tracking decision timeframes, public satisfaction and staff productivity with quarterly public reporting.
Streamline council meeting procedures to reduce bureaucracy, increase debate quality and empower elected members for faster decision-making.
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