The new chair of Environment Canterbury, Alec Neill, is making a goodwill visit to South Canterbury’s mayors and Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew on Tuesday, October 6.
Cr Neill, who was elected to the chairmanship promising a collaborative and inclusive style, is making it a priority to rebuild and restore relationships.
“Environment Canterbury has some work to do at a governance level rebuilding relationships with central Government via local MPs and Ministers and also with the mayors of territorial authorities,” Cr Neill said.
“This first visit will enable me to touch base with the mayors of Waitaki, Waimate and Timaru, as well as local MP Jo Goodhew, so they can be assured that I am serious about getting our relationship back on an even keel, with open communication in both directions.”
Cr Neill said that he hoped to meet with Mackenzie mayor John O’Neill, representing the fourth council in Environment Canterbury’s southern area, in the near future. “I have also been in touch with Jacqui Dean, MP for Waitaki, and intend to make a special visit to her constituency.”
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Waitaki District Council offices, Oamaru, 11. 45 am
Waimate District Council offices, Waimate, 3-3.30 pm
Timaru District Council meeting with Mayor Janie Annear place and time to be advised.
Timetable:
11 am: Meet with Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton.
1.30 pm: Meet with Waimate Mayor John Coles.
3.00 pm: Attend Regional Policy Statement presentation at Waimate District Council.
4.15 pm: Environment Canterbury Timaru office.
4.45 pm: Jo Goodhew Rangitata MP, at her Timaru office.
Evening: Dinner with Timaru Mayor Janie Annear.
For further information: Alec Neill, Chairman Environment Canterbury, 0274 403 731.