ECan decides on future representation structure
Months of debate among Environment Canterbury councillors finally today led to a unanimous decision on the recommended
future representation structure of the regional council. The existing council structure of eight core Christchurch city
regional councillors and six outside of Christchurch will continue if the recommendation is finally adopted.
Both North Canterbury and Selwyn/Banks Peninsula ECan constituencies would incorporate parts of the edge of Christchurch
city under the proposal, in order to better meet the population requirements in the Local Electoral Act.
Other key elements include the Ellesmere area of Selwyn District moving to a new regional Rakaia constituency with
Ashburton District (currently called Ashburton) and the confirmation of two councillors south of the Rangitata with
separate South Canterbury and Waitaki constituencies.
The representation option will be put forward for public consultation next month. Other constituencies and councillors
proposed include two for North Canterbury, one for Selwyn and one for Ashburton (proposed to be called Rakaia).
The chairman of Environment Canterbury’s representation review committee, Cr Robert Johnston welcomed the decision,
saying it was one of the most significant issues that he’d been involved in his seven-and-a-half years as a regional
councillor. “This sets the way for the next six years and to go forward with total support, including that of
Christchurch urban councillors, is most significant and will be in the best long term interests of the Canterbury
region,” he says.
The chairman of Environment Canterbury, Sir Kerry Burke congratulated all involved in the process this far. “The council
decision reconciled as far as possible several conflicting fundamental principles. The unanimity was an especially
valuable outcome.”
Environment Canterbury’s Waitaki representative, Cr June Slee, also welcomed the decision. “I am delighted with the
result of this vote. That all councillors understand our community and have confirmed their support for the Waitaki
constituency is very satisfying.”
Endds