We will again lead the way as we move into a new way of managing Christchurch. The Council has taken up the goal of giving equal value to the environment and society as is given to the financial bottom line. Our new way of working is called the triple bottom line. It’s built into this year’s Draft Annual Plan and the Council is keen to know what you think of it.

At this stage a small committed group know the idea so well they are keen to move ahead, but I’m equally convinced that for a lot of people the triple bottom line idea is still brand new.

For many it is unfamiliar, and sounds like something you’d find in the underwear section of a department store. But it is a simple idea. It means we are making a commitment to act with a responsible eye on the present as well as the future.

We all understand the importance of the financial bottom line to business. The triple bottom line requires us to look not just at the financial impact of our actions but also at the impact on the community and the environment. It effectively puts our people and our place on an equal footing to the monetary value of our decision-making. It represents a major shift in the way we do things and also in economy, environment the way the relationship between the public and the Council will need to operate. The triple bottom line approach provides us with a way of taking seriously our stewardship of resources and of our part of the planet.

I believe that for Christchurch it is not only the best way forward, it will also prove to be another of those major steps that have made this city famous for being vibrant, inventive, humane and responsible.

Visitors to Christchurch are amazed at how we have such a beautiful natural environment within a major, modern city.

We have huge natural wealth, a dynamic economy and a proud tradition of social environment responsibility for all our people, not just those with wealth and power. These are tremendous assets to build on and the triple bottom line approach will give us a mechanism for making sure we move toward a truly sustainable way of life.

We will only realise that goal if the triple bottom line gets popular public support.

I believe that you’ll get behind the idea. It’s a simple and powerful idea and it’s a direction we will need to define and debate in coming months.

The new Local Government Act makes quite specific demands on Councils to ask themselves, and the public, where they are going and how will they get there.

I think that the triple bottom line approach gives us a valuable tool for getting this right.

It has the potential to move us from a very good city to a great one. I hope the idea gets your strongest support.