Reflecting on Our Campaign Launch
Kia ora koutou,
Last Friday’s launch at Dux Central was beyond my hopes, with a sold-out room, a hundred supporters brimming with energy and belief in our vision. From the warm welcome to the final applause, I felt the heartbeat of Ōtautahi Christchurch and Banks Peninsula in every cheer.
I’m deeply grateful to Piper Pengelly, who, as one of my nominators, shared her powerful vision for future-focused leadership, and to everyone who bid passionately in our auction to fuel this campaign. Your support isn’t just about funds; it’s the demonstration of real momentum that will carry us through the weeks ahead.
Three Pillars of My Campaign
I made three announcements on the night - looking more deeply into what I stand for and pulling out one key policy from each pillar of my vision for our future. These sit alongside the other policies that are present in my track record and website, including a commitment to not sell our assets and to focus on smart, future-focused rate spending.
Our City
Our water is a taonga and has been a source of true local pride. I pledge to roll out a network of chlorine-free water stations across our city so that residents can enjoy the purity of our beautiful aquifer water. At the same time, we’ll accelerate pipe renewals to cut leakage from nearly 30% to under 15% within ten years and set the stage to seek a chlorine exemption.
Our People
Decision-making at Council should reflect the voices of everyday residents. Beyond ongoing consultation, I will introduce deliberative forums - imagine 50 residents from diverse backgrounds learning, questioning, and jointly shaping outcomes, free from political self-interest. This citizen-driven approach has already strengthened trust in other cities, and I can’t wait to bring it here.
Our Future
When it comes to a healthy environment and climate action, nothing beats trees. We will remain a garden city while becoming a 21st-century sustainable one, with heritage parks alongside climate-friendly native plantings on our streets, parks, hills and riverbanks. My goal: one million trees and other plant species across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula in my first term. It’s ambitious, but with focus and collaboration, it’s absolutely achievable. This is good for climate action, good for share cover and good for liveability; after all, it’s not just the wealthy suburbs that should be the leafy ones.
We’ve got an exciting ten weeks ahead and I can’t wait to continue the kōrero. Thank you for your support - I am humbled by your belief in our shared vision; let’s keep building the momentum as we shape Our City, Our People and Our Future - together.
