Environment Canterbury elections 2016

“The mixed governance plan means a majority of ECan councillors would be elected at the local body elections in October 2016, with four elected at large in Christchurch, one elected from North Canterbury for the districts of Kaikōura, Hurunui and Waimakariri, one elected from mid-Canterbury for the Selwyn and Ashburton districts, and one from South Canterbury representing the Timaru, Mackenzie, Waimate districts and the parts of Waikati north of the Waitaki River. The chair and deputy chair of the mixed model council will be elected post-October 2016 by the elected and appointed councillors. The mixed council will carry out a representation review in 2018 under the standard Local Government Act provisions to determine the make-up and wards of the fully elected council for 2019.”
Ref. beehive.govt.nz/release/environment-canterbury-transition-plan-announced

ECan rural votes will be weighted, for a nearer match to total urban votes:
Ref. beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/Q&A-Government’s-decisions-on-Environment-Canterbury.pdf

Ref. dia.govt.nz/Resource-material-Our-Policy-Advice-Areas-Environment-Canterbury + SaveOurWater.org.nz/ecan-2016/

ECan wants polluted lakes exempted
“The government is currently consulting on its National Policy Statement for freshwater and has proposed that the national freshwater standards should include lakes and lagoons which periodically open to the sea. That would include Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth in Canterbury – which consistently rank as the most polluted in the country.” – 2.5.16
radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201799106/ecan-wants-polluted-lakes-exempted

Update 24/5/16

Sir Kerry Burke asks why Canterbury’s democracy was destroyed – 22/01/2013 stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/perspective/8205626/How-ECan-fell-to-the-irrigators

Effective lobbying and representation is needed to improve Canterbury public transport – 09/09/2014 stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10474271/Greens-rebuked-for-email-tactic

ECan commissioners to run as councillors? – 12 March 2016 stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/77767103/ecan-commissioners-to-run-as-councillors

ECan plan amounts to a ‘broken promise’ – 19 March 2015 stuff.co.nz/national/politics/67440125/ecan-plan-amounts-to-a-broken-promise

Protesters mark six years since Ecan councillors sacked – 1 May 2016 stuff.co.nz/the-press/79487032/protesters-mark-six-years-since-ecan-councillors-sacked

ECan moves closer to fully elected council – 5 May 2016 stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/79680828/ecan-moves-closer-to-fully-elected-council

Rivers advocate makes regional council bid – 22 May 2016 stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/80251041/Rivers-advocate-makes-regional-council-bid

Canterbury Regional Council critic stands for election, 23 May 2016 radionz.co.nz/news/regional/304554/canterbury-regional-council-critic-stands-for-election + see Glandovey.co.nz

If you are interested in campaigning for democratic change at ECan, let us know:  Sustainable Canterbury – mauriroawaitaha.wordpress.com/contact/

Update 27/6/16

Three regional council candidates to focus on change, 19 June 2016
stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/81225366/three-regional-council-candidates-to-focus-on-change

Millions of litres of water illegally taken: Is ECan doing enough? 20 June 2016
stuff.co.nz/business/farming/81191467/Millions-of-litres-of-water-illegally-taken-Is-ECan-doing-enough

Editorial: Do we have to wait for the new ECan council to enforce water rules?
stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/81237203/editorial-do-we-have-to-wait-for-the-new-ecan-council-to-enforce-water-rules & Just how healthy are North Canterbury’s rivers? stuff.co.nz/the-press/opinion/81306479/just-how-healthy-are-north-canterburys-rivers, 21 June 2016

By the numbers: ECan’s ‘relaxed’ monitoring regime leaves thousands unchecked, 27 June 2016 stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/81280545/by-the-numbers-ecans-relaxed-monitoring-regime-leaves-thousands-unchecked

Update 11/7/16

Next steps for freshwater, 20 February 2016 beehive.govt.nz/release/next-steps-freshwater

Ngai Tahu guaranteed two seats on Canterbury regional council, 23 February 2016 stuff.co.nz/national/politics/76928505/ngai-tahu-guaranteed-two-seats-on-canterbury-regional-council

Elation as Ashburton council backs out of controversial water bottling deal, 11 July 2016, stuff.co.nz/business/81873688/ashburton-council-backs-out-of-controversial-water-deal

ECAN to get tough with farmers who haven’t installed water meters, 11 July 2016 radionz.co.nz/news/national/308416/crackdown-on-farmers-with-no-water-meters

2016 Local Government Elections, how/where/when:
ecan.govt.nz/about-us/your-council/elections/…

Spreydon-Heathcote Community Board by-election April-May 2012

Greetings south Christchurch neighbours,
The departure of Mike Thorley last year, to take up work in Australia, has led to a Community Board by-election in our area. I am standing and would appreciate your vote of support – Rik Tindall.

Christchurch South has wonderful people and environs that, like the rest of our great city, need dedicated representation to progress. The recent Community Board agenda lists some of the many decisions we face for enhancement of our living context: local roading, parking, footbridge replacement, community gardens and the draft Sydenham Master Plan are just some. Good representation of your views on these and every local matter are essential: please call me on 332-1069 or 027-406-0077 or email rik@infohelp.co.nz to discuss them.

A local resident since 1992, I am in small business / home user ICT computer support, and have tertiary social science qualifications. A father of one and a former regional councillor for Christchurch East at ECan – Canterbury Civil Defence and Emergency Management portfolio chair 2007-2010 – I am Vice-Chairman for the Christchurch Estuary Association, a Cashmere Residents’ Association committee member, and a keen walker and gardener. Like finished busways, we need safer cycleways and footpaths here, with new communal food projects, for resilience. Help me be your information conduit for progress.

Sustainable Canterbury succeeded the Water Forum by which councillors engaged with the Christchurch East community that elected them. This website details the many ideas for sustainable economy and environment that colleagues and I worked up over the last three years – enjoy the browsing. Sustainable Canterbury group has not met since 2011, and, as no other candidates are running under the banner yet, I am therefore still a true independent: promoting the ideas and sustainable alternatives spelled out here. Personally, my affiliations have been Green and Mana, though not currently active. This all should help you better understand my politics and deep commitment to the well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand and its citizens.

Maintaining clean public water supplies has been top priority for me since 2007, through the Save Our Water campaign. Now I undertake to do my best for you and your wider interests, in the whole city rebuild. I have a strong sense of social justice and want us to democratically all thrive and prosper together.

The Spreydon-Heathcote Community Board meets at the city council’s Beckenham service centre, at 66 Colombo St – South Christchurch Library.

South Library, CCC Beckenham service centre

Civic duty: Council Elections – Spreydon Heathcote Community Board member, voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 11 May 2012 – see CCC notice.

Wishing you well ~ kia ora koutou,

Rik Tindall

Media Release, 19 April 2012: Labour-Led Community Board Idle

News: Fewer Cantabrians fleeing the region “signs Canterbury’s economy may be on the mend, with a recovery in some sectors, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research’s latest report shows..” +
Prefab show village to open in Christchurch “The Home Innovation Village (HIVE) will be based at Canterbury Agricultural Park until February 2014. HIVE grew from Christchurch’s devastating series of earthquakes endured since September 2010. With many residents zoned red, and forced to demolish and rebuild their homes, Canterbury companies saw a need for new homes that were light-weight, quick to construct, strong and affordable..” The Press 19/04/2012
Army land considered for housing “The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) and the New Zealand Defence Force said yesterday that the use of 34 vacant army houses at Burnham and land for relocated red-zoned homes was being discussed. The property may be needed as the Christchurch City Council has revealed 385 of its social housing units are vacant because of quake damage. The fate of the units remains unknown..” The Press 20/04/2012

Occupy Christchurch speak

Helping a legitimate and peaceful housing protest – and global movement for democratic progress and sustainable change – to get back on track: Occupy Christchurch speak: #OWS O:Chch « Rik Tindall blogs + The last tent comes down at Occupy Christchurch – day 164.

Care for the elderly of Christchurch East

Media Release: Rik Tindall, city council candidate, Burwood-Pegasus ward

Date: 5 February 2012

Subject: Care for the elderly of Christchurch East

Urgent attention must be given to the plight of elderly people stuck in earthquake-hit suburbs, one council candidate believes. Political campaign work throughout Burwood-Pegasus ward has been useful for establishing priorities, Rik Tindall says.

“The voice of the marginalised needs to be heard,” Tindall told The Press newspaper today. “Two forms of assurance are needed right now, to relieve distress, I have forthrightly been told.”

“Firstly, those in damaged council flats want to know what will happen to them. These seniors are crying out for basic contact and communication from council,” Tindall says. “Some have been moved into damaged accommodation as an emergency measure, and now they need certainty.”

The fate of much public housing remains unclear.

“Secondly, the government compensation system is destroying some older people’s spirit, with its added layer of uncertainty. Those that have insurance payouts for damaged houses but are stuck with land they cannot sell just want to move on,” Tindall reports. “These elderly citizens don’t have the will or the energy to reinstate damaged grounds, and require a special form of assistance soon,” he says.

“During the recent Parklands candidate debate I responded that the Mayoral and Prime Minister’s emergency relief funds needed to focus on a new drive to assist our at-risk retired folk, affording individual land purchase where necessary,” Tindall states. “Today I call on both central and local government to reopen appeals for support, with our worried elderly as the specific needy cause. We lost too many after emergency evacuation of rest homes, and now is the time to do justice.”

“Remember, this is actually a government investment in land assets, that can later be recouped,” Tindall concludes. “I appeal to the wider global community to help Christchurch help its troubled senior citizens in the east.”

[Ends]

Contact: Rik Tindall – 332-1069 or 027-406-0077

Ref: http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2508977/candidates-battle-for-place-on-christchurch-city-council.asx

More information: http://ParklandsRecovery.wordpress.com + http://SustainableCanterbury.org

Burwood-Pegasus ward by-election 2012

Greetings Christchurch, citizens East, kia ora,

Welcome to SustainableCanterbury.org – the web link from the election flier you received from me personally. You have been through so much – your stoicism is saluted around the world. The leaflet is to provide contact details from a council and local government specialist – please feel free to contact me at any time, on any issue you wish to raise and have officially addressed through representation.

This is a very important by-election for Burwood-Pegasus ward. Now is the time to secure the strong and determined rebuild assistance that this earthquake-stricken ward so very much needs. Don’t forget to vote!

Stay strong, stick together, kia kaha.

Kind regards,

Rik Tindall – 332-1069 / 027-406-0077

BA Hons, Certificate in Business Computing

sustainablecanterbury@gmail.com

More information: Christchurch earthquakes City Council page ;

Pegasus Post 160112 p.5

http://www.ccc.govt.nz/thecouncil/communityboards/burwoodpegasuscommunityboard

http://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/CandidateProfiles/2012BurwoodPegasusCandidateProfiles.pdf

Discussion Re: [Canterbury Issues] Tony Marryatt

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/6261354/Rivals-query-Becks-commitment etc.

Burwood-Pegasus sustainability candidate announced

Media Release: Sustainable Canterbury

Date: 12 December 2011

Subject: Burwood-Pegasus sustainability candidate announced

Sustainable Canterbury have announced their candidate for the Burwood-Pegasus ward by-election in February. The local environment watchdogs are running the group spokesman, Rik Tindall.

“Christchurch East needs strong advocacy based on good understanding of the enormous issues here,” says the former regional councillor for the area. “Land shortages must be addressed, with due care for the holders of damaged land that must not be allowed to put people at risk again.”

“On top of rehousing, training and employment needs, there is urgent work to be done around emergency planning as well as recovery,” Tindall says. “The district needs energy, dedication and expertise, that I offer this vital community in seeking their electoral support.”

Tindall cites an $80,000 cost-reduction, by avoiding the further by-election due should either community board candidate be elected to Council, as one reason for voter consideration of the Sustainable Canterbury campaign. “Being born and raised in this diverse area, with Environment Canterbury experience, I am highly committed to building a brighter future for Burwood-Pegasus,” Tindall says

“My Civil Defence and Emergency Management work and my relative youth will bring active benefits to the ward,” says the fifty-one-year-old father of one – a geography student.

Sustainable Canterbury have been lobbying for industrial transformation of the region for the past two and half years. They believe a different agriculture can raise returns and productive diversity, and reduce emissions while conserving water and biodiversity

“More jobs based on innovation and energy independence, as well as food and other exports, are the future we need,” says Tindall. Sustainable Canterbury has a vision of low-cost and renewable building materials, locally made for an holistic rebuild effort.

The group wants improved local democracy, with consultation for a tangata whenua representative seat on council and proportional representation (STV) begun.

“An inclusive, environmentally sustainable economic future – for all of Canterbury – is the key to rapid Christchurch East recovery,” Tindall says. “This involves spurring a whole new building development phase into action, with new materials, research and employment.”

Water quality is another Burwood-Pegasus issue that Tindall wants accountability on: “Why is ECan cutting its water testing program at just the moment when it is needed most?” he asks.

“Once reduced pollution of ocean and estuary can be guaranteed, we should proceed with the saltwater pools facility long sought after by New Brighton people – as an immediate and insurable replacement for QE2 swimming complex loss, and as a focus of attraction for the beach-side area as a destination,” Tindall concludes. “Voter support for these proposals is warmly invited.”

[Ends]

Contact: Rik Tindall – 332-1069 or 027-406-0077

More information: http://SustainableCanterbury.org

Ref. Residents fear Cera special powers The Press 10/12/2011 + CanCERN context + campaign e-democracy forum comment + SCMW Media Release Scoop copy + The Press Ex-ECan man has party base story 12/12/2011

SCMW campaign-ready addressing #Burwood-Pegasus #Christchurch

Hi, kia ora koutou,
Thanks everyone who attended our last workshop for the year.
Ref. Hopefuls eye seat on council The Press 05/12/2011
Suggestions taken on board and now live are:
Sustainable Canterbury web domain – http://SustainableCanterbury.org ;
Sustainable Canterbury email address – sustainablecanterbury@gmail.com ;
Our first public advertising flier is now available too:

SustainableCanterbury.org flier1 - Dec 2011

Nga mihi, ka kite ano
~ Rik

SCMW December committee meeting ~ 04.12.2011

Sunday 4 December 2011, 3pm-5pm at the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Sustainable Canterbury monthly facilitated workshop. Tea/coffee and biscuits provided. Venue koha invited.

Agenda: election forum debrief / open : ‘population crisis’? – Not.

We condensed our research results into an electoral strategy to obtain a public voice for the SCMW issues (watch this space).

SCMW November meeting ~ 350 Water Forum ~ 21.11.2011

SCMW meeting - 211111

Download: poster SCMW-211111.pdf

Election year 350 Otautahi Water Forum: Monday 21 November 2011, 7.30pm at the WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch. Thank you very much to candidates Jo McLean (Labour), Clinton Dearlove (Mana) and Denis O’Rourke (New Zealand First) for presenting – a most useful discussion entailed.

Topic:
“Co-governance means around water, towards 350ppm atmospheric CO2″

– asked of Labour, Green, Mana and NZ First representative speakers.

Sub-topics of concern: What forms of co-governance can these parties offer – between themselves and with tangata whenua – regarding water quality, biodiversity, minimum flows, recreation, irrigation, pollution, zone committees, metering and costs, sustainable food and renewable energy production, climate change, coal-seam fracturing (‘fracking’), etc.?

Note: Because of their recent implementation of an exclusive regional governance technique in Canterbury, the National, ACT, Maaori and United Future parties have excluded themselves from this current debate. Our apologies are extended for their formal absence here.

The forum will be filmed for highlights to later be placed on Youtube.

Thank you for your support of local democracy.

Media Release, 10 November 2011: Māori ward seats on councils endorsed

Media Release, 21 November 2011: Election forum explores coalition potential:

An election forum tonight looks at the possibility for a change of government and outputs.

Local environmental watchdogs Sustainable Canterbury have invited the Labour, Green, Mana and New Zealand First parties to speak on the topic of “co-governance around water, towards 350 parts per million atmospheric carbon dioxide”. Tangata whenua rights, sustainable industry, and greenhouse gas reductions lead the set of related challenges the group want commitments on.

Democracy has been curtailed at regional level since April 2010, and a backdrop of damaging earthquakes has further undermined systems for public voice. Sustainable Canterbury were disappointed to see the Christchurch City Council pass over the opportunity to establish a Māori ward seat recently, through its representation review, for example.

“The representation status quo does not work, and we know there is great interest in cooperative governance for justice and equity, so let’s hear what solutions are available,”says Sustainable Canterbury spokesman Rik Tindall. “Kaitiakitanga [guardianship] of the natural environment and resources is something the whole community has a stake in and wants to see done well.”

The council cannot neglect the improvement of local democracy forever, Tindall suggests. “Māori are a uniquely entitled New Zealand minority, and proportional representation at local level is an obligation long owed them by settler society. Around that question we must resolve means of renewable production that stop depleting biodiversity and the planet, for our own survival.”

Water issues have perplexed Cantabrians, with privatisation of supply now in the offing.

“The public interest needs active protection, and resource uses need to greatly improve,” Tindall says. “Good representation is required to do that job. The increase of poverty worsened by state asset stripping is a combination we want to see firm, coherent opposition to.”

The Sustainable Canterbury election forum is at 7.30pm, Monday 21 November, at the WEA, 59 Gloucester Street in Christchurch.

“‘Co-governance means around water, towards 350 partsper million atmospheric carbon dioxide’ is our forum theme tonight. If the opposition parties can agree on how to achieve that together, people have a very strong reason to vote for them,” Tindall concludes.

[Ends]

Note, parallel event: Labour, Green, and National? panel on the fracking issue, at 7pm in lecture theatre C1, University of Canterbury in Ilam, run by the Social Wing of the Anglican Church – contact Nicholas Laing 027-340-8211.

SCMW November committee meeting ~ 06.11.2011

Sunday 6 November, 3-5pm at the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch; SCMW monthly facilitated workshop meeting.

Meeting notes from whiteboard:

Sustainable Canterbury meeting notes - 061111

Agenda items:

1. Review of last SCMW public meeting, 31 Oct – need more publicity for better attendances – and our Media Release #4, of 3 November 2011: CERA submitters demand democracy – supported.
News: Cera gives Christ Church Cathedral ultimatum The Press 4 Nov 2011 + Notice: heritage protection rally at 12.30pm Monday, outside Harley Building, cnr Worcester Boulevard and Cambridge Tce.

2. Organise public electoral Water Forum, for Monday 21 November 2011, 7.30pm at WEA. Topic: “Co-governance means around water, towards 350ppm atmospheric CO2” – asked of Labour, Green, Mana and NZ First speakers. Sub-topics of concern: irrigation, recreation, zone committees, fracking, metering and costs, minimum flows, etc.
Note: Because of their recent implementation of an exclusive regional governance technique in Canterbury, the National, ACT, Maaori and United Future parties have excluded themselves from this current debate.

Rik to process invites and make a poster that people can print off and circulate. Use/fwd social media chat too. Tony, John and Rik to resource filming of the forum, for later placement on Youtube.

3. Endorsement of Nelson City Council poised to have Maori ward radionz.co.nz + Council confirms Maori ward Nelson Mail 4 Nov 2011: see our MMP/STV position page notes – carried.

Resolved, that: SCMW supports and promotes Maaori political representation (indigenous, Treaty of Waitangi enshrined) that is democratically and proportionately elected, and not executive-appointed.

Sustainable Canterbury
All welcome. Tea/coffee and biscuits provided. Venue koha invited.