Gabrielle Stewart for the Shirley Papanui Community Board
E nga mana, E nga reo, e nga waka o nga hau e wha, Tena Koutou Katoa.
Ko wai ahau? Who am I?
Ko Kai Tahu, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangitane, Te Atiawa, Ngati Raukawa oku Iwi.
Ko Gabrielle Stewart (nee Himona) ahau.
I was born and raised in Te Ika a Maui (North Island) and have a strong affiliation to Te Wai Pounamu through arranged marriages with Kai Tahu tupuna from my Kahungunu/Rangitane whakapapa.
Legally trained, I have many years experience (paid and unpaid) working in the commercial/government and community sectors having held positions/roles with ANZ, Department for Courts, ACC, Battered Womens Trust, Maori Legal Services and Te Runaka ki Otautahi o Kai Tahu.
Why do I want to become a Community Board member?
10 years ago I moved to Christchurch with my whanau. I have lived in the Papanui/Shirley ward for four years now and consider our community a wonderful place to raise a family. I love living here. Demographically, Papanui/Shirley Ward residents are drawn from a diverse mix of cultures which I believe has further enriched and enhanced our community's unique character. As one of the more established residential areas, our community is steeped in history, evident in the generations of families who have stayed committed residents, in our schools, in our architecture and our tree lined streets/parks.
Over the last few years increased pressure on our main arterial routes and infill housing, along with concerns raised regarding maintaining community facilities/services and our heritage has created tension between community growth and development and preserving/enhancing our communities unique character. The role of our Community Board is critical to ensuring that we (as a community) have a VOICE , that we play a leading role in the growth and development of our ward.
I believe that an accountable Community Board is one that C.A.R.E.S - a Community Board that:
C - consults with the community, that listens to residents and acts accordingly.
A - advocates on behalf of the community, and is accountable with funds entrusted to the board.
R - is responsive to the needs/issues raised by members of our community and represents those issues at local government level,
E - is environmentally attuned to the needs of our community and who engages with all members of the community (including ethnic/Maori/community and business groups) and
S - supports programmes/initiatives that are responsive to the needs in our community.
I am committed to working towards community empowerment, growth and development. I CARE. I believe that I have the skills, experience and passion to enable me to be a proactive and committed community board member.
I am a natural problem solver, researcher and
I have excellent networking and interpersonal skills,
I am passionate about creating a community that is vibrant, that is beautiful and that is a safe place to live.
