What I Stand For

Christchurch is a city on the rise. 

Last year we were named New Zealand's most vibrant city and the 'capital of cool.' On top of that, Christchurch ranked highest among New Zealand cities in the 2024 Happy City Index.

Christchurch is proving it's a place where businesses can flourish. We are one of the top five places to invest in New Zealand - the central city is humming and Canterbury University’s roll is thriving. We lead the country in delivering housing and have an enviable lifestyle and awe-inspiring natural environment that people are flocking to.

We’ve got exciting new sectors like aerospace and hydrogen calling Christchurch home, alongside world-class tech and innovation companies doing incredible work. This growth means more opportunities, better jobs, and a bright future for our young people.

We also have a thriving cultural and hospitality scene, and being dubbed New Zealand’s 'capital of cool' reflects the energy here. Our arts and music sectors are booming, with collaboration and creativity driving incredible outcomes. Events like Electric Avenue, which Council supports, are growing year-on-year. This year, it’s expanding to two days and has already sold out—injecting $6.5 million into our economy.

  • Make Rates Affordable

    The rates increases include costs that council cannot influence – these are 3.64% for inflation, 1.75% for Te Kaha stadium and 2.7% for interest and loan repayments. 

    As a community we need to have a conversation about what are the must haves and then what we could change to save money. Our Draft Annual Plan comes out for consultation in February, and we need to hear from our ratepayers about what is important, after all it is their money we are spending.

  • Lead a stable council

    While I can work across all political persuasions, and I have shown this by leading a stable council the past two years, I firmly believe that local government should focus on what is best for the community and not party agendas. The decisions Councillors make should not be influenced by having to vote a certain party way—this is not always in the best interests of ratepayers.

  • Deliver essential services well

    I was pleased that after raising the funding for the Pages Road bridge works with the Transport Minister at every opportunity, the government will help fund the works. The bridge suffered significant damage in the earthquakes and is a key lifeline to New Brighton. The Council had already planned to deliver this in our Long Term Plan, but to get Government funding towards it saves Christchurch ratepayers money and makes a huge difference.

  • Protect and enhance our environment

    As part of the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan, our focus is to build a climate-resistant Canterbury through collaboration between local councils, iwi, communities and businesses.

    The 10 key climate actions for the next three years include understanding climate risks, improving resilience, reducing emissions, supporting adaptation planning, and promoting nature-based solutions.

  • Future-proof our water infrastructure

    The news that the demolition of the trickling filters is getting underway at the Bromley wastewater plant is great for Christchurch. This has been a long time coming for the local community 

    The demolition of the trickling filters marks an exciting stage in addressing long-standing odour issues. The new activated sludge reactor will reduce emissions and can be scaled up efficiently to meet future population growth.

    A large portion of the cost has been covered by the insurance settled and the balance has been budgeted for in the Long Term Plan.

  • Complete Major Infrastructure Projects on Time

    Besides the completion of Te Kaha and the Bromley Wastewater Plant both scheduled to be complete in 2026, we are working in partnership with the Court Theatre to build the theatre’s new central city home which will open later this year. 

    The Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre the new indoor sport and aquatic centre built by the Government but operated by Council, will be the largest aquatic and indoor recreation and leisure venue of its kind in New Zealand, accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It is expected to open in 2026.

    All of these projects will help create a better tomorrow.