Elizabeth Cunningham for Environment
Canterbury East
I have really enjoyed the past 3 years as a newly elected member
for Regional Council Christchurch East constituency and would
like to continue to be an effective councillor in a demographically
and physically diverse area. This gives many challenges as to
how the Regional Council can respond to and ensure that the coastline,
estuary, wetlands, Avon and Heathcote rivers and the hill landscape
be best protected. Ensuring these challenges are not ignored will
be my commitment over the next three years.
Being the Regional Council’s nominated member of the Avon-Heathcote
Estuary Ihutai Trust has been extremely valuable. Working with
the Community Board, scientists and Christchurch City Council
and Ecan staff has been a learning experience in having a better
understanding of the issues that I and my 2021 colleagues have
faced at the Regional Council table.
I made a statement in my 2004 campaign to be committed to protecting
the quality of our water for future use and I have stood up for
this issue at the governance level. Waitaha/ Canterbury is famous,
truly and justifiably famous, for the quality of its water, even
in pre-European times. But it’s not going to stay this pure
without some careful management. Increasing population, intensified
land use, and how best to manage waste are all examples of what
could lead to degradation of water quality. I have written numerous
articles in local newspapers regarding the pollution of our water
ways and rivers and the response from the constituents has been
rewarding. Where a resource is as irreplaceable as pure water,
we need to ensure the safeguards are absolutely in place. I have
fully supported the water quality policy in respect of Christchurch
East’s drinking water supply and of course this also means
for the whole Christchurch area.
I was recently appointed to the Urban Development Strategy public
submissions panel. We need to act now to ensure we have a public
transport system that reduces congestion, is easy, affordable
and enjoyable for people to use and is more efficient in its use
of energy. A robust urban strategy includes understanding how
best to manage the competing demands for a reliable urban water
supply, the needs of agriculture (which is so vital to the economy
of the region) and the needs of recreational users – people
who want to fish, swim, go boating, or just have a nice picnic
next to a stretch of sparkling water. And all this in the face
of what would appear to be changing climate patterns. Forethought
and good planning are essential if we want to preserve and protect
the accessibility and quality of life Christchurch and Canterbury
people currently enjoy and maybe also, take for granted.
Environment Canterbury is looking at bigger goals and long-term
gains for our community and the environment which looks after
us all. As your elected member I have ensured that consultation
and participation have reflected the views of Christchurch East
through your communication with me. I would value your vote. Thank
you.
