ECan agrees on new boundaries for Canterbury – for now
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Environment Canterbury (ECan) has adopted its revised representation review proposal after earlier agreeing to U-turn on plans to shift Ashburton's boundary.
But ECan chairperson Crag Pauling signalled the work isn’t finished at a council meeting on Wednesday.
The review sets the constituency boundaries for the upcoming elections in 2025, but it has been recommended a full review take place before the 2028 elections.
Pauling backed the process the regional council had been through, but said "the process isn’t finished”.
The regional council’s decision is open to appeals before the Local Government Commission makes a final decision in April.
But the council’s decision also suggested it would be up to the next council to complete.
An earlier plan to revise boundary lines sparked protest from Ashburton's mayor who argued it would not provide effective representation for Ashburton District or rural communities.
ECan subsequently reversed the plan and decided to retain the status quo, aside from some boundary changes in Christchurch. It will recommend the next council undertakes a comprehensive representation review in three years.
It means the Ashburton District remains part of the Mid Canterbury/Ōpākihi constituency with the Selwyn District, rather than being merged with South Canterbury.
Christchurch Central/Ōhoko councillors Genevieve Robinson and Greg Byrnes, and Christchurch South/Ōwhanga Paul Dietsche voted against its adoption.
Robinson and Byrnes were aggrieved at losing 360,000 constituents in the Christchurch boundary changes that they felt weren’t consulted on.
Byrnes called it a gerrymander – “the manipulation of an electoral constituency boundary so as to favour one over another”.
Each councillor has one vote, but several councillors "represent far less numbers than others”.
He said he was appalled with the review outcome.
“You accept the unacceptable gerrymander in South Canterbury, while at the same time give a two-finger salute to the ratepayers and council of New Zealand's fastest-growing district.”
Robinson said the outcome undermined the process.
“What is the point of people coming forward and voting or giving opinion on something if the result is this?
“It’s not at all what people spoke about or submitted on.”
Mid Canterbury/Ōpākihi councillor John Sunckell said he was comfortable with retaining the status quo.
While there had been a strong push from the Selwyn District to become a stand-alone constituency, the challenges of having two people representing all of South Canterbury, with South Canterbury starting at the Rakaia River, “just was not tenable”.
Christchurch South/Ōwhanga councillor Vicky Southworth said she was swayed to the status quo as she was opposed to having just two representatives for 50% of Canterbury’s land area.
“Regional council is around natural resource management.
“That rural understanding and ability to connect with your councillor is actually really important.”
Addressing future representation around Selwyn’s continued growth will require some serious thinking,she said.
Deputy chairperson Deon Swiggs said it had been a full-on process and “you can never please everybody”.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
-
53.5% Yes
-
46.5% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
Loading…
