Late run of nominations in Ashburton
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The race is on in the Ashburton Ward with the local voice of Mid Canterbury radio one of the latest people in the running for Ashburton District Council.
Hokonui FM breakfast host Phill Hooper is running for a seat on the council in the Ashburton ward and is joined by Carol Johns, the organiser of community events like the Santa Parade, Mid Town Mardi Gras and Waitangi on East.
The other new candidates coming forward are Rob Mackle and Keith Townshend in the Eastern ward.
With Hooper, Johns, and sitting Councillor Carolyn Cameron also expected to enter the race, there will be at least 10 candidates running for the five seats in the Ashburton ward.
Of those Cameron and Braam are the only current councillors standing again, Russell Ellis and Thelma Bell are former councillors and the other six candidates are newcomers.
The nominations of Mackle and Townshend means there will be an election in the Eastern Ward with sitting councillor Lynette Lovett and newcomer Richard Wilson, the son of retiring councillor Stuart Wilson already standing.
The mayoralty remains a two horse race between incumbent Neil Brown and local businessman Jeff Swindley.
The West ward currently has enough candidates to fill the vacancies without an election process.
There will be no need for an expensive by-election for the Methven Community Board with the nominations of Allan Lock, Robin Jenkinson, and Megan Fitzgerald providing enough to cover the five vacancies.
The Braided Rivers Community Trust had only five nominations for its six vacancies.
There are three nominations for the two seats in the Environment Canterbury Mid Canterbury Ōpākihi ward, with incumbents Ian Mackenzie and John Sunckell along with Peter Trolove.
Where they stand
Nominations Received (as at Wednesday 2pm)
Mayor: Neil Brown, Jeff Swindley.
Western Ward (2): Rodger Letham, Liz McMillan.
Eastern Ward (2): Lynette Lovett, Richard Wilson, Rob Mackle, Keith Townshend.
Ashburton ward (5): Russell Ellis, Leen Braam, Hayden Tasker, Bev Skates, Tony Todd, Thelma Bell, Brie Burgess, Carol Johns, Phill Hooper.
Intending to stand: Carolyn Cameron.
Ruled out: Stuart Wilson, Angus McKay, Dianne Rawlinson, John Falloon.
Methven Community Board (5): Kelvin Holmes, Richie Owen, Allan Lock, Robin Jenkinson, Megan Fitzgerald.
Braided River Community Trust (6): Tim Silva, Chris Robertson, Robert Harnett, Kerry Clough, Kieran Breakwell.
Nominations close: August 12
Voting opens: September 16
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
-
90.2% Yes
-
9.8% No
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
-
72.7% We work hard, we deserve a break!
-
16.3% Hmm, maybe?
-
11% Yes!
Loading…
