The Canterbury Mayoral Forum visited the capital yesterday to advocate for their region while also reinforcing and
building stronger connections with Central Government.
Hosted by Hon Dr Megan Woods, the Mayors of the ten territorial authorities in Canterbury and the Chair of the regional
council (Environment Canterbury) travelled to Wellington to put the recently refreshed Plan for Canterbury before nine
Government ministers.
Mayor Nigel Bowen, Chair of the Forum, says the visit was particularly important ahead of the budget announcements
expected next week. “We want to take a proactive approach to advocating for our people, governance to governance. The
Mayoral Forum works in partnership across Canterbury and we want to strengthen the connections with Central Government.”
Top of the to-do list while at the Beehive was advocating for permanent co-investment in flood protection schemes for
the region, immigration and skills policies that work for Canterbury, greater collaboration on an integrated approach to
transport funding and supporting Canterbury’s continued economic development and emergency management.
These led to valuable discussions with Ministers around climate change adaptation, challenges for local and central
government around transport funding, investment in science as well as research and innovation to address some of our
environmental challenges.
“We also discussed issues in the way in which local government is currently funded, and the need to work together on
finance and funding options and tools that might be available in the future to address current shortfalls,” Mayor Bowen
says.
A number of Ministers noted that Canterbury is well placed to lead the way on many of the challenging issues facing our
communities, largely because of the influence of the Forum’s one strong voice for Canterbury and how well the councils
work together for the good of the region.
Minister Megan Woods says Canterbury is a thriving region. "It is always valuable to get decision makers from Local and
Central Government in the same room to talk about issues effecting local communities and come up with practical
solutions together.”
Mayor Marie Black, Deputy Chair of the Forum, saw the visit as an important opportunity to ensure Ministers are aware of
the priorities for Canterbury.
“It is particularly important in an election year to ensure Ministers are aware of what is needed here in
Waitaha/Canterbury. Taking a proactive approach and visiting them in the capital with the refreshed Plan for Canterbury
was worthwhile as we look to build stronger connections with leadership in Central Government.”