Rawlinson calls time making three empty chairs to fill in Ashburton
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Dianne Rawlinson is the latest councillor to announce her time at the council table will come to an end in October.
Her announcement means there will be at least three new faces on the next 10-strong Ashburton District Council, after Stuart Wilson and Angus McKay previously announced they would not be standing again.
Rawlinson said after a lot of consideration and self-debate she made the decision to not stand for re-election and informed her fellow councillors of the decision on Sunday.
“This has been a big decision for me, as I have really enjoyed almost six years of life as a councillor,” Rawlinson said.
“However there is quite a bucket list waiting for me to delve into and I don’t wish to wait another three years for this.”
With Wilson, McKay, and now Rawlinson stepping aside there are three empty chairs to fill at the table meaning at least three new people will sit on the next council.
One of those could be a returning face, with former two-term councillor Russell Ellis submitting his nomination – with time to spare.
Ellis infamously missed out on standing for a seat on the council in the last election after a technicality in his nomination form was found after nominations had closed ruling him out of the running.
The only other incumbent councillor yet to determine if they will stand is John Falloon.
Mayor Neil Brown is running for a second term, and to date there has been no speculation of him having an opponent.
In the western Ward, deputy mayor Liz McMillan and Rodger Letham have their nominations in.
Ellis is the only nomination in the Ashburton Ward, with Leen Braam and Caroline Cameron indicating they will be standing again.
In the Eastern ward, Lynette Lovett has stated she will be re-standing.
There have been no nominations for the five vacancies on the Methven Community Board.
Tim Silva is the only nomination so far for the six places on the Braided Rivers Community Trust.
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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?
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91.4% Yes
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8.6% No
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72.4% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.6% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
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