I have been interested in, and concerned about, the environment
for many years, and because I have always lived in Christchurch,
my focus has been, and continues to be, on the environment here
in Canterbury.
I have an interest in preserving and improving the quality of
Canterbury waterways and coastal waters, because of my years of
interest in fresh water and sea fishing, and my wish that this
natural resource be available to generations to come, in the condition
it is in today, or an improved condition where this is possible.
The quality of the air in Christchurch will always be of great
importance because the health of all living here will in some
way be influenced by the quality of the air we breathe. Christchurch
and other Canterbury centres do not have a great historical reputation
for good air quality in winter, but ECan reports that winter smog
levels in Christchurch are the lowest in many years, despite this
being quite a cold and damp winter. This is due in part to the
Clean Heat Project starting to really gather traction, with over
10,000 old wood burners and open fires having been converted to
cleaner forms of home heating.
Air quality is my area of most interest as I have spent 30 years
involved in the home heating industry that is now focused on designing
and building nothing but high efficiency and low emission home
heating appliances.
I have been on the executive of the NZ Home Heating Association
for a number of years, and in that time have, and continue to,
chair the manufacturer’s committee, where we share information
and experience that in turn results in improved designs of appliances
being available to the public of Canterbury and beyond.
I support the continued use of clean burning solid fuel technology,
be that wood burners, pellet fires, or new technology that is
still under development and has yet to be released. We need this
type of home heating for our large housing stock of older homes
where insulation is retro-fitted, but still these homes take much
more heat to become warm than do modern, recently-built homes.
The health of our people living in older homes will rely on effective
and affordable forms of heating so World Health Organisation temperature
guidelines can be met.
The quality of the drinking water here in Christchurch is second
to none. It is pure, cold and must be treasured and protected.
We do not want to be forced into treating our drinking water like
so many cities in this world, even here in New Zealand. The quantity
of our drinking water must also be protected for the anticipated
growth in Christchurch population in the future. This will take
careful monitoring and management of this precious resource, and
if elected to ECan to represent Christchurch West, I will do everything
I can to ensure the quality and quantity of our water is preserved
for the future.
Public transport is one of ECan’s largest single areas
of expenditure, and we must plan for the future to ensure affordable
and convenient public transport systems are continued to be developed.
There are many options for modes of transport, and these include
buses and light rail. There is no one mode that is the answer,
and whatever we decide is the most beneficial option, must also
be cost-effective. This is another major issue that a Christchurch
2021 lead ECan Council will tackle and not be afraid to make decisions
on.
