Independent Citizens Names Riccarton-Wigram Team

As the countdown begins to October’s local body elections, Independent Citizens has named its team to contest the Riccarton-Wigram ward.

The seven member team consists of two standing council members, Helen Broughton and Bob Shearing and five community board candidates, current board members Beth Dunn and Peter Laloli and candidates, Andrew Tomlin, Sam Johnson, and Kamal Ghose.

Long standing Riccarton-Wigram residents, Helen Broughton and Bob Shearing have both played active roles around the council table over a number of years. Ms Broughton has served three terms as a city councilor while Mr Shearing has represented the ward twice.

Ms Broughton has made her mark fighting for better urban and financial planning throughout the city.

“My commitment is that rates remain low through strong financial management, that council retains ownership of its assets, and that decision making around the Council table is transparent and comprehensive,” says Ms Broughton.

Mr Shearing has worked tirelessly to create sustainable solutions for Christchurch. He was a major advocate for the new wheelie bin waste system that in the short time it’s been running, has already seen a drop of over 40,000 tonnes of rubbish going to the Kate Valley landfill. Mr Shearing also chaired the Nuisances in Public Places Working Party that has worked to bring in tougher penalties for ‘boy racer’ offences.

“Our focus for the next three years hasn’t changed. As Independent Citizens, we are still committed to ensuring that best practice, fiscal prudence and common sense guide council decision-making to the benefit our community.”

Current community board members, Beth Dunn and Peter Laloli are both looking forward to again putting themselves forward for re-election.

In the process of becoming a Justice of the Peace, Beth Dunn is a current member of the Riccarton Wigram Community Board and the Riccarton House and Bush Trust Board. She is passionate about ensuring the future growth of the ward is based on sound governance decisions.

“Over the last 3 years service on the Community Board, I have listened to and consulted residents and advocated on their behalf, to ensure they live in a healthy and safe community. It’s vital infrastructure is effectively managed so our natural waterways, recreation spaces and future sustainability are protected.”

Ms Dunn is currently the Charters and Office Manager at the Southern DC3 Charitable Trust. She is ensuring that the heritage airliner is gifted to the community debt free and in perpetuity, so that it is always accessible to the community of Canterbury.

Peter Laloli has served on the Riccarton-Wigram community board for the last nine years and is currently the board’s Chair. As Officer in Charge of the Hornby police and responsible for the delivery of policing services in the Riccarton-Wigram area, Mr Laloli has been instrumental in developing partnerships that have seen significant reductions in reported crime in the area

“Communication, consultation and working in partnership with residents, community and business are all essential for creating a safer community,” says Mr Laloli.

An advocate for strong and responsible leadership, Mr Laloli is committed to making Christchurch the city of choice by creating a vibrant, economically sound and sustainable city.

Although Andrew Tomlin is one of the three new candidates on the Independent Citizens team, he has already been serving the community and business interests of Christchurch residents for decades through his volunteer work. He’s dedicated time to the Little River Rail Trail Trust, Horizons Day Options Trust and the Pacific Leprosy Foundation. He is a director of chartered accountants, Ainger Tomlin Ltd.

“I have an extensive understanding of water issues, sustainable practices, licensing matters and event management. As a good listener, I believe I can be a valuable asset to the Riccarton-Wigram community at local government level,” he says.

New candidate, Dr. Kamal Ghose has been actively involved in helping immigrants and overseas students integrate into the New Zealand way of life since 1998, when he started teaching at the College of Education.

“I believe in ‘Unity in Diversity’,” says Dr Ghose. “Having worked with Mother Theresa during my University days I feel I bring a humanitarian approach to the work I do.”

As a business mentor and popular Senior Lecturer at Lincoln University, Dr Ghose loves Christchurch and is keen to involve all ethnic groups in enhancing the quality of life in this beautiful city.

“I am committed to increasing social capital by ensuring transparent communication and enhancing trust at the local body level.”

Bringing a youth perspective to the team is 21-year-old law and politics student, Sam Johnson. Mr Johnson is active with the Student Volunteer Network at Canterbury University. He has been heavily involved in the revival of the Musical Theatre Society, setting up a University Performing Arts Association and organizing inter-university exchanges.

“As a student on a tight budget, I understand the financial pressures placed on many of our residents. I believe in careful spending of ratepayers’ money by funding core services first while supporting new ideas, and keeping rates low,” says Mr Johnson.

He is eager to create opportunities that link and engender positive relationships between students and the wider community.

ENDS

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