We are acutely aware of the twin pressures to minimise rate rises and increase spending to reduce the economic impacts of COVID-19. We urge you to seek help from the central government as they respond so that long-term investment is not reduced but instead expanded. We ask for increased … [Read more...]
Submissions to CCC and ECan Plans
As Kevin Hague reminded us last week - it is really important to make submissions to annual plans, even if they are simple ones like We need to do more to protect and enhance our biodiversity, to cut our emissions and to prepare for the effects of climate change on our environment and on our … [Read more...]
Is our city up to implementing “smart city” growth
Here’s the summary of an article sent to me by Nigel Colenso. When I read it, I kept saying “yes” as when I reflect on the City Plan which was imposed on this City it is a potential disaster. I also thought about Jim Lunday’s talk a few weeks ago and wondered what Jim would make of this. This … [Read more...]
Transport accessibility and acknowledging John Brown:
The photo features former disability advocate and journalist the late John Robert Brown attempting to go by wheelchair from his rest home to Barrington Mall. Photo taken in 2019. Clearly the city's town planners never thought about such difficulties when introducing the wheelie bin rubbish … [Read more...]
Are we witnessing the fact that the next Mayoral campaign is on:
I guess, because I participated in Mayoral debates for too many years, my political nose twitches very quickly. In the Press “Letters to the Editor” yesterday there was this letter. Under the headline “Explanation needed” it said: “Congratulations to John Minto for the work he has done … [Read more...]
We can do better: Inspiring, engaging and encouraging local voting
An Open Letter calling for an Electoral Forum To: Dawn Baxendale, CEO Christchurch City Council Bill Bayfield, CEO Environment Canterbury David Meates, CEO Canterbury District Health Board We can do better: Inspiring, engaging and encouraging local voting I am writing with … [Read more...]
Last Week Jean Drage
Thanks to Jean Drage who presented a big picture view of local democracy, and the challenges in getting people involved. This video is worth watching. Some factors that impact voter engagement candidates with a high local profile or controversial issues (these are not easily, nor necessarily … [Read more...]
City Council Transparency
Some pretty damning revelations about the culture at the City Council. Over to Dawn Baxendale the new CEO to sort this, and us to support her to do this. Christchurch City Council secrecy outrageous | Stuff.co.nz OPINION: City council staff are paid by us – the rate paying citizens … [Read more...]
This weeks speaker: Jean Drage
Jean is going to share some thoughts on the recent elections. You may have seen her articles in Stuff recently (links below). Since moving to Christchurch more than a decade ago, Jean Drage has worked for both Canterbury and Lincoln Universities and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority. … [Read more...]
Is The People’s Choice Labour by any other name?
Christchurch 2021 (the Precursor of The People's Choice) Isn't the internet a marvel, a website still exists for Christchurch 2021 which was formed in 1995. I have spoken to people who were members of Christchurch 2021 and they say that it was formed deliberately to get the best progressive … [Read more...]