Candidates to represent Hagley-Ferrymead Ward for Council

Two Councillors to be elected.

• Peter BLAXALL (Independent Citizens)
• Robin BOOTH (Elect Robin Booth)
• Rod CAMERON (Independent)
• David COX (Independent)
• Anna CRIGHTON (Labour for Christchurch 2021)
• Paul FINDLAY (Independent)
• Kevin GARDENER (Responsible and Accountable Representation (Independent))
• Janet MIDDLEMISS
• Denis O'ROURKE (Experienced Independent)
• Linda RUTLAND (Labour for Christchurch 2021)
• Brendan SMITH (Independent)

Peter BLAXALL (Independent Citizens)

I have given strong leadership in the Council for nearly a decade and as a businessman am deeply concerned at the growing burden of rates, being aware many people cannot afford spiralling rate rises therefore will be looking at cutting council costs and not using rates to fund central Government responsibilities. Rates must be held in line with the level of inflation or 2% maximum.

Recycling should be encouraged but residents must have the right to receive rubbish bags. That means 52 bags a year.

Whilst Chairman of the Council Parks Committee I initiated many projects to improve the beauty of Christchurch including the setting up of an InnerCity Tree Planting Committee.

Having worked tirelessly for many social service community agencies - past Chairman of the Council Community Service Committee and past Chairman of the Aged Peoples Welfare Council was awarded the QSO for services to the elderly.

Website: www.peterblaxall.homestead.com

Robin BOOTH (Elect Robin Booth)

Over the past six years I've been an elected City Councilor, Community Board Member and Canterbury District Health Board member. Due to recent changes in Council size I'm now standing for the Hagley-Ferrymead area, where I've been a rate-payer for years.While Christchurch is a great place to live, experience tells me many people and businesses are being hindered by excessive council bureaucracy, red tape and charges. Simply try extending your garage to see what I mean.

Having been on Council I can relate to the frustrations former Councilor Erin Baker felt. Her criticisms of Council were right.

Councilors claim to have kept rates down but have dramatically increased direct charges. These days parking fines of $200 are not uncommon, nor $70 fees to dump a trailer of rubbish. Rubbish bags have been halved.

I'm against compulsory Fluoridation of our water. For more information go to www.robinbooth.com

Rod CAMERON (Independent)

Current Hagley-Ferrymead Community Board member. Christchurch born and educated (Christchurch West High School). Married 33 years. Three adult children. Having served one term on your community board I am now well prepared for the step up as your councillor. Many sporting interests including administration. 24 years Canterbury Rugby Referees, 39 years Lancaster Park Cricket Club (Vice President). Several years successful business owner. 23 years real estate. As an independent, I can represent you on Council in a fair, honest, and unbiased manner without influence from party political policies. Current Board appointed me as your sole representative on Ecans Christchurch Area Committee. Also on Boards Traffic and Environment Committee. I have a common-sense, no nonsense approach on all issues and believe in getting the basics attended to first eg improved street cleaning, road maintenance, parks etc. Better value for the ratepayers dollar. We need independent input on Council. Ph 332-3011

David COX (Independent)

Sitting Councillor with a love of sport and a passion for the arts.

Experienced, Accountable, Accessible, Enthusiastic, Honest, are key words in my campaign with a proven record of getting things done.

My vision is for a council viewed as affordable and progressive; with industrial, commercial and residential growth plus dividends and fees supporting the holding of rates.

Basic services, including more rubbish bags, must be enhanced.

More parks with children's sports grounds and play equipment situated near to residences are vital for a healthy city.

Libraries, and swimming pools should be easily and affordably accessible. This adds to the education and enjoyment of young and old.

Support is vital for City Choir, Court Theatre, Southern Ballet, Canterbury Opera, Christchurch Symphony, Showbiz Canterbury and many other art forms. They add to the quality of our city.

Never making a promise I cannot keep.

If you respect INTEGRITY

VOTE DAVID COX

Anna CRIGHTON (Labour for Christchurch 2021)

An accessible, experienced, hardworking City Councillor, I’ve proudly and enthusiastically represented Hagley for 12 years. I chair the Arts Culture & Heritage Committee and am an active Hagley-Ferrymead Community Board member. As a City Councillor I stand for "working with the community", prudent financial management, minimal rate increases, minimum library charges, free entry to Museum and Art Gallery, a healthy sustainable City, sound urban development, and protection of our unique built and natural heritage. I’ve worked with my colleagues to achieve a great Art Gallery, the Chalice, revitalization of key heritage buildings in the central city and developing creative industries for jobs and exports. My promise to you: I’ll always be accountable, accessible and work hard for a pollution-free Estuary, maintaining basic infrastructure, retaining city assets and changing the City plan to avoid more ‘Ferrymead high-rises’ or inappropriate buildings in our suburbs. anna.crighton@xtra.co.nz. (366 2557)

Paul FINDLAY (Independent)

Do you want new blood and a fresh face on your council? Then I might be the candidate for you! I have a youth focused and green carring view. I want to bring hard work and common sense back to the council while continuing to provide safe and sensiable services to the community. I truly beleave that those with a continued commitment to the people of Christchurch will maintain our city as one of the leading cities in New Zealand and overseas. But this can only be achieved one way! If all electors get out their and vote for their choice of candidate.

Kevin GARDENER (Responsible and Accountable Representation (Independent))

A father of 2 adult daughters, I own a business located in the central city. I know this ward extremely well from an association spanning 40 years.

I aim to bring a fresh perspective, new energy, new vision and most importantly a commitment for 'Responsible and Accountable Representation'.

I am committed to:

• Accountable leadership
• Good governance and transparency
• Sound environmental and traffic management
• Family and community
• Prudent economic management
• Back to basics
• More affordable rates, particularly for those on fixed incomes

In my view, governance demands careful thought about who makes decision, how those decisions are made and works only if all parties involved can trust both the people and the process. I believe improving this must also be a priority for the next council.

So please help me achieve this by voting for 'Responsible and Accountable Representation'.

Janet MIDDLEMISS

A politician is an advocate for her constituents. As such, a politican needs both principles and courage.

In local government the politician's primary commitment is to all her constituents, but bias - to some degree - will be inevitable.

Given the present government, and in light of the fact that I have met many of the residents of Scarborough, Sumner, Clifton Hill and Redcliffs, it seems to be that the rights of the ratepayer and landowner must be supported by thrift, diligence and energy.

Selection of a candidate sensitive to beauty but equipped with the requisite tools to advocate, would not be a wasted vote.

Denis O'ROURKE (Experienced Independent)

Dear Residents,

I am passionate about our community and our garden city, about recycling, clean streets, a safe and effective transport system, and good quality basic services. My 15 years experience has been built around these issues, working for a smart city.

The new 12 member council needs strong unity of purpose, without divisive

party-politics. There will be a real need for independent councillors with a proven track record and good judgement. I will continue to work for excellence in the standard of our basic services, for a council which is positive, progressive and practical, and which is prudent with your rates and our shared resources.

Regards,

Denis O’Rourke,

Councillor, Hagley-Ferrymead Community.

Linda RUTLAND (Labour for Christchurch 2021)

As a sitting Councillor with seven years local government experience, I share with residents the common desire to live in an enjoyable safe city that has a real sense of community. I want a city that is financially well run, retains ownership of its strategic assets, develops effective public transport, and is responsive to the differing needs of its residents. I’ll work for the replacement of the Ferrymead bridge and an aquatic leisure centre which meets the recreational needs of the east. I’ll continue to oppose inappropriate high-rise development. Having lived in Mount Pleasant for the past 10 years and the Hagley Ward for the previous 35 years, I understand issues in our enlarged ward. Married with two children, I’ve a BA in Sociology and a professional background in advocacy. I’m a Board Member of the Ihutai Estuary Trust and a Justice of the Peace. lin.fin@xtra.co.nz (384 2160)

Brendan SMITH (Independent)

Dr Smith has been a member of the Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board for the last 3 years. He has been a general practitioner in the Eastgate and Ferrymead areas for seven and a half years. Brendan is a former primary school teacher who returned to study medicine. He has been a doctor for 15 years. Brendan also holds a masters degree in Business Administration.

Born in Christchurch, Brendan firmly believes in the future of Christchurch as a place for families. He works hard to support the sensible management of current problems, development, and the benefits of living in Christchurch for ALL its residents.