Candidates for Riccarton-Wigram Community Board

Five members to be elected.

• Neville BENNETT (Independent Citizens)
• David CHAMBERLAIN (Independent Citizens)
• Alec FORD (Christchurch 2021)
• Lesley KEAST (Labour for Christchurch 2021)
• Peter LALOLI (Independent Citizens)
• Mike MORA (Labour for Christchurch 2021)
• Basil MOSKOVIS (Labour for Christchurch 2021)
• Bob SHEARING (Independent Citizens)
• Tony SUTCLIFFE (Independent Citizens)
• Joy TERRIS (Christchurch 2021)

Neville BENNETT (Independent Citizens)

My vision is a sustainable city, with clean air and water, and international-quality amenities. As Environment Chair, I have had primary responsibility for our electorate's 90 parks and reserves. My 2001 platform of a new park in Picton Avenue and a major new library have happened.

I have the experience to make good decisions. I have lectured in history and economics at Varsity for 30 years. I have been a columnist for NBR for 15 years. I have a passion for heritage such as the Riccarton Racecourse Teahouse.

I am community conscious, and act without payment as a JP, a Director of the Blind Foundation, and, Trustee of NZ Universities Super.

I have lived in Riccarton for 25 years, and my wife, Sandy Robertson, and I have brought up four children. My dream now is to make a better world for my grandchildren.

David CHAMBERLAIN (Independent Citizens)

I am an active member of the Halswell Residents Association and have been involved in many local issues and events.

During my ten years service in Jaycees, I was President of Awarua Chapter and National Programme Manager of Nissan Jaycee young driver of the year. Other community involvement includes, elected member of School Board of trustees’ Past President of Junior Soccer Club. I am an active administrator of my church and have been Finance Manager for Carols @ Westlake for the last four years.

I am married with three adult sons and am employed as an industrial Warehouse Manager. I have a background in engineering, construction, telecommunications, network and contract planning.

Halswell is a developing area, which presents many exciting challenges to me. I wish to monitor the many issues that will hopefully result from forward planning and respond to those expectations of residents in Southwest Christchurch.

Alec FORD (Christchurch 2021)

I’m married with two children, software developer and scientist who has lived in Riccarton for nearly 25 years. One of my major interests is the Royal Society of New Zealand, of which I am currently the Canterbury branch secretary. I’m standing for the Riccarton-Wigram Community Board because I know that local issues are important to local people. I’ve been active in the Deans Avenue residents’ group for over 10 years. I also have an understanding of the issues that affect the whole ward, including the action needed to avoid traffic gridlock. If elected I’ll work with you to improve our neighbourhoods and create parks and playgrounds in areas that lack green space. I’m a strong advocate for more community facilities, including the proposed Upper Riccarton library and recreational facilities for youth. I believe I’m skilled in researching issues and developing solutions to meet the needs of the community. alecford@paradise.net.nz

Lesley KEAST (Labour for Christchurch 2021)

I‘ve worked for the community for many years, having served 4 terms as a City Councillor. I’m currently the Deputy Mayor, a role that has involved me in working widely in the city and within the council organisation. However, I’m not seeking re-election as a Councillor but as a Community Board member. I expect that Council restructuring will result in greater responsibilities for the Community Board and believe my long experience and local knowledge will enable me to assist the Community Board in meeting the new challenge. I was recently appointed as a Trustee of the Riccarton Racecourse Reserve, Chair of the Tea House Restoration Committee (at Riccarton Park), Vice President of Age Concern and Board Member of the Christchurch Primary Health Organisation. Issues confronting the elderly and children have always been a priority. Helping people and the community will continue to be my first concern. lesley.keast@ccc.govt.nz

Peter LALOLI (Independent Citizens)

Peter Laloli is a married man with four children.

Peter has resided in the Riccarton area for the last forty years. He is currently the O/C of the Hornby Police and is responsible for the delivery of policing in the Riccarton Wigram area.

Peter has worked hard in creating strategies that make our community a safe place to live.

He is active within the community and is currently a member of the Riccarton Wigram Community Board.

Peter chairs the community services committee and is a member of both the traffic and roading committee and finance and policy committee.

Peter has a strong community focus and is presently a trustee of Te Whare O Nga Whetu Charitable Trust based at the multi-cultural centre, Gilberthorpes Road, Hornby.

Community consultation and working in partnership with residents, community and business groups are Peter's election promise.

Please support Peter Laloli with your vote. Phone 348-7313.

Mike MORA (Labour for Christchurch 2021)

Riccarton-Wigram Ward deserves strong, reliable, energetic representation. I believe I can give that, so I seek your support for my re-election for a fifth term as your representative on the Riccarton-Wigram Community Board. During my six years as Chair of the Community Board I have always listened to the community in order to understand the issues, make the decisions and take the necessary action. I supported the new community recreation centre at Templeton and the development of new sports fields at Halswell. I am also pleased that we now have a new reserve for Riccarton in Picton Avenue. I’m a strong advocate for a new local covered swimming pool and am keen to promote a community centre at Hornby, where current facilities are inadequate. I am committed to our community and I will continue to work tirelessly for you. mike.mora@paradise.net.nz (Phone 980 9438, 027-4303132)

Basil MOSKOVIS (Labour for Christchurch 2021)

I am 42 years old, married with a teenage family, and work in the computer industry. I have lived in Canterbury all my life. I am standing for the Community Board to repay the opportunities this community has given me. As a member of the Westmorland Residents’ Association I have first hand knowledge of this area and am sensitive to other issues within the ward. Currently I am a board member of the Union and Community Health Centre and I was part of the formation of the Adult Reading Federation. Through holding nationally elected positions of the Engineers Union I know the importance of the skills of listening, networking, lobbying, and following up. I am an enthusiastic person who will work alongside my 2021 colleagues to deliver the best outcomes for the residents of Riccarton-Wigram. basil@xtra.co.nz

Bob SHEARING (Independent Citizens)

Bob Shearing is currently a Wigram Ward member for the Riccarton/Wigram Community Board and Chairman of the Board's Transport and Roading Committee, working with residents and groups to improve roading issues in their neighbourhoods. Bob is also involved with Hornby Rotary, Rose Historic Chapel Trust, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Templeton Hospital Welfare Council, Church of the Holy Trinity Family Trust and a number of other organisations in the Hornby area, where he has lived and worked for over 30 years. As Managing Director of RA Shearing Contractors Ltd, a local earthmoving and paving contracting company, Bob has a proven record of being practical about issues but has the experience to know how any decision made will impact on affected people. Bob has enjoyed the opportunity to assist and promote the local community for the past nine years and looks forward to continuing this involvement. For further information, please ring 3485420 anytime.

Tony SUTCLIFFE (Independent Citizens)

My wife Robyn and I have owned and operated the Earnslaw Motel in Blenheim Road for 16 years. Past President and Life Member of the Motel Association of New Zealand. Formerly a Bank Manager I hold Tertiary qualifications in Business and Management. Past President of the Riccarton Club.

My major concern is to return Local Government to basic issues and ensure that rates are maintained at a level to meet the core needs of roading, rubbish and recreation. I want to see clean streets, traffic moving steadily, open spaces and well maintained sporting facilities.

I want to see party politics out of Local Government. I want to see rates spent for community betterment with local people having a say in how our community is managed.

I understand the needs of our community. I will be ready to listen and ready to help whenever required.

Joy TERRIS (Christchurch 2021)

I am married with children and grandchildren and have lived in Hei Hei for 40 years. I am director/secretary of a small family business. My involvement in the community is wide and varied. I am Chair of the Hei Hei Residents Association, coordinator of the Hei Hei/Broomfield gardening project, Trust board member of the Te Whare O Nga Whetu Multi Cultural Centre, Trustee of Gilberthorpe Primary School, active member of Hornby Community Watch, and participant in Civil Defence. I take great satisfaction from my involvement with all groups within the community and look to expand this role at community board level to bring my ‘hands-on’ experience to the board’s decision making. My vision is to see a new aquatic centre built in Hornby, which would be accessible for the whole district. I have a great love for Christchurch and feel I have much to offer the wider community.

joynbrian@paradise.net.nz