Environment Canterbury

Christchurch West/Ōpuna Constituency
Environment Canterbury is the regional council for Canterbury. It makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of up to 16 councillors. are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region), including two councillors from the Christchurch West/Ōpuna  constituency. Up to two councillors can be appointed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Environment Canterbury election.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Achieve a united, effective council which communicates openly and builds trust as one team and in partnership with the community.

    Put accountability at the heart of everything Environment Canterbury does.

    Build an organisation with capability to engage very effectively at a local level so we can develop opportunities to do things better.

  • Recognise the vital importance of water and uphold the fundamental concept and principles of Te Mana o te Wai with communities.

    Support catchment management groups to enhance biodiversity, address pests, sedimentation and water pollution.

    Embrace the partnership council has with Ngāi Tahu and uphold representation under the Canterbury Regional Council – Ngāi Tahu partnership.

  • Implement performance dashboards tracking decision timeframes, public satisfaction and staff productivity with quarterly public reporting.

    Streamline council meeting procedures to reduce bureaucracy, increase debate quality and empower elected members for faster decision-making.

    Establish citizen panels with random selection to review major policies, budgets and long-term plans before council decisions are made.

  • Achieve a united, effective council which communicates openly and builds trust as one team and in partnership with the community.

    Put accountability at the heart of everything Environment Canterbury does.

    Build an organisation with capability to engage very effectively at a local level so we can develop opportunities to do things better.

  • Recognise the vital importance of water and uphold the fundamental concept and principles of Te Mana o te Wai with communities.

    Support catchment management groups to enhance biodiversity, address pests, sedimentation and water pollution.

    Embrace the partnership council has with Ngāi Tahu and uphold representation under the Canterbury Regional Council – Ngāi Tahu partnership.

  • Implement performance dashboards tracking decision timeframes, public satisfaction and staff productivity with quarterly public reporting.

    Streamline council meeting procedures to reduce bureaucracy, increase debate quality and empower elected members for faster decision-making.

    Establish citizen panels with random selection to review major policies, budgets and long-term plans before council decisions are made.