Jim Anderton, People's Mayor candidate for Christchurch wants to make it easier for people to participate and have their say on how the city is run. He is proposing, if elected, to set up a People's Forum to actively encourage the city's residents to put forward ideas, solve problems and work in partnership for the future of the city.
"Residents are worried about the direction of the city and are saying they feel they have few opportunities to put their ideas forward to council with any confidence that they will be listened to" says Jim Anderton. "There is also strong reaction against rushed, expensive decisions being made behind closed doors. Enough is enough is the prevailing mood."
One of Jim Anderton's key campaign pledges is to actively improve openness and transparency in Council.
Says Jim Anderton "The passion, anger and frustration demonstrated by Christchurch people over recent council decisions indicated something had to be done. Our communities are saying 'work with us', and this is my response".
By setting up a People's Forum, residents and community groups can participate in proposing ideas, be part of the decision-making process and ask questions of their elected representatives. Recent council decisions made behind closed doors will become a thing of the past. (A separate and regular forum will also be established for the business community as well as voluntary organisations).
The concept will begin at Community Board level, where residents can submit their ideas and questions, or via a People's Forum website. The best ideas will be referred to a People's Forum, held quarterly where ideas will be discussed and fully considered by Council. Residents will be kept informed of the process through the People's Forum website and through their Community Boards.
The People's Forum intends to restore the faith of the city's residents in democratic participation in Christchurch, which was rocked by the sacking of the democratically elected board of Environment Canterbury.
Says Jim Anderton "The People's Forum will enable the Council and its elected representatives to support the communities they are elected to serve by allowing everyone the same opportunities to participate in the future of our city and be heard".







Karolin is an educator in the Human Rights Commission, a JP and a current community board member. Concerns are gaps between those who have and do not and the environment.




Islay lives in Linwood. She loves the area and wants to restore the community and environmental values that once had Christchurch residents proud to live here.

Judy is a current Community Board member for the Riccarton - Wigram ward. She is involved in a number of other organisations for youth, education and the wider community.

Julie is a Correspondence School liaison teacher and has served as a deputy and acting principal at a local school. She wants to represent an area she has been part of for 40 years.

A board member for three years, Linda has a Community Service Award and is on Keep Christchurch Beautiful and Civil Defence. The environment and safe, happy communities are concerns for her.

Jasmin has strong experience working in the health sector. She is one of our youngest candidates and possesses a vibrant personality and a positive attitude.

Tracey is a dynamic, energetic woman with several years of community involvement. She is willing to stand up for the underdog and speak for those who cannot speak up for themselves.




