Our governing body of 14 Councillors and two Tumu Taiao (mana whenua advisors) focuses on region-wide strategic decision-making alongside our key partners, stakeholders, and communities. Following the local government elections in October 2019, a Council of fully-elected members took office.
councillors@ecan.govt.nz
0800 266 567
Read the Chair's column - Kōrero
Jenny was elected unopposed as chair at the Council’s first meeting of the triennium.
Jenny has a master's degree in law and has spent 11 years in governance and community support and leadership roles at Christchurch City Council.
As well, she has previously been an Environmental Inquiry Commissioner, played a leadership role in the governance of the insurance industry/government resolution of earthquake claims service and the Styx River community project.
Her priorities are protecting our public health, freshwater and ecological systems, protecting the drinking water aquifers, reducing carbon emissions, working with farmers to explore regenerative agriculture and de-intensification of dairy farms.
Councillor.Hughey@ecan.govt.nz
Watch Jenny Hughey's opening speech.
Peter is a mixed-crop farmer and a returning Environment Canterbury Councillor.
He was Deputy Chair of the Council in the last triennium, and also had portfolio responsibilities for Air Quality, Regional Transport, and Freshwater.
Peter campaigned on a platform of providing focus and leadership.
Peter credits the progress the Council has made in the last term to strong governance and believes he has a significant role in helping the transition to the new Council.
Watch Peter J Scott's opening speech.
Claire is a returning Environment Canterbury Councillor and has previously been the lead councillor for the Freshwater portfolio.
Her professional career was as a veterinarian, before becoming a dairy farmer in Canterbury.
Claire campaigned on a platform of reasoned decision-making and good governance, building on achievements of the last three years, balancing social, cultural and economic values with responsible environmental objectives.
She believes in a common-sense approach to regulations with achievable timeframes for the implementation of practical solutions.
Watch Claire McKay's opening speech.
Grant is a previous deputy chair of the Waimakariri Water Zone committee.
A Landscape Architect with background in urban and rural design and planning, Grant campaigned on a platform of sensible forward-thinking governance with a necessarily urgent focus on dealing with climate change and water quality issues.
He believes the Canterbury region needs to action sustainable land management practices and environmental improvements.
He is interested in promoting special character of unique natural environments for growth in tourism and recreational opportunities.
Watch Grant Edge's opening speech.
Ian has a family farming operation producing grain, seed, milk and meat and has protected wetlands providing habitat for Canterbury mudfish and other native fish and bird species.
He has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and has considerable experience in the politics and management of water.
He has had various roles with Federated Farmers at regional and national level, most recently with responsibilities in water, the environment and transport.
He has experience serving on different boards across a range of sectors.
Ian campaigned on a platform of being an Ashburton voice on the regional council, with an understanding of rural and urban environments able to advocate for water and the environment.
Councillor.Ian.Mackenzie@ecan.govt.nz
Watch Ian Mackenzie's opening speech.
John is serving his second term as an Environment Canterbury Councillor. He is a farmer and is involved in emergency medicine as a St John Paramedic.
He has a Diploma in Agriculture, and more than 20 years’ involvement in water and environmental management.
John was previously Chair of the Performance, Audit and Risk Committee, Deputy Chair of the Canterbury Group Civil Defence, and portfolio Councillor for the Freshwater, Air Quality, and Hazards, Risk and Resilience portfolios.
John campaigned on a platform of continuing considered and effective decision-making with the experience and knowledge of how local government operates to achieve outcomes for the community.
Councillor.Sunckell@ecan.govt.nz
Watch John Sunckell's opening speech.
Tane is a trained commercial pilot and personal trainer. He is a New Brighton resident and has previously stood in the Hornby ward for the Christchurch City Council.
Tane campaigned on a platform of providing a practical hand at the table to ensure necessary changes are fit-for-purpose. He believes public transport should be for people, not profit.
Tane has worked for five years to conceptualise a high capacity commuter rail network to and through Christchurch, servicing Canterbury’s large towns.
He is also keen to ensure water resources are preserved and protected for future generations.
Councillor.Apanui@ecan.govt.nz
Watch Tane Apanui's opening speech.
Phil was previously a Christchurch City Councillor for six years, and a Christchurch Community Board Chair for 18 years, chairing committees on infrastructure, transport, environment, and community development.
Phil campaigned on a platform of bringing integrity, experience, skills and leadership.
His priorities are protecting Canterbury’s groundwater, rivers and aquifers from pollution and exploitation, reducing carbon emissions from agriculture and transport, and developing the public transport system.
Councillor.Clearwater@ecan.govt.nz
Watch Phil Clearwater's opening speech.
Vicky is a geologist and has a Master of Water Resource Management from the University of Canterbury.
Previously a community representative on the Canterbury Water Management Strategy regional committee, Vicky has 15 years’ professional experience in the environmental sector.
Vicky campaigned on a platform of collaboration, supporting positive changes for natural resources and land use, and effective monitoring and enforcement.
Her priorities are improving urban and rural water quality, protecting biodiversity and advocating for a remit to consider greenhouse gas emissions in plan development, and addressing the barriers to increasing bus passenger numbers.
Councillor.Southworth@ecan.govt.nz
Watch Vicky Southworth's opening speech.
Megan is a self-employed environmental consultant. She was previously a co-chair of the Selwyn-Te Waihora Zone Committee and served three years on the Malvern Community Board.
She holds a degree in Environmental Management and Planning and qualifications in nutrient management.
Megan campaigned on a platform of collaborative, evidence-based decision-making and responsible spending to sustain the region's economic growth and protect the environment.
Her priorities are a healthy environment, safe drinking water and clean air, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, providing affordable and accessible public transport, and ensuring the balance of environmental responsibility with fiscal responsibility.
Watch Megan Hands opening speech.
Craig is of Māori and European descent, with tribal affiliations to Ngāi Tahu and Ngāti Mutunga.
He holds a degree in Environmental Management, and post-graduate qualifications in Social Science and Ecology.
He is also a qualified RMA hearings commissioner, and has worked in a variety of roles in environmental policy, research, and as a consultant.
He is a founding trustee of Te Ara Kākāriki, a charitable organisation dedicated to ecological restoration on the Canterbury Plains, and is also heavily involved in competitive waka ama (outrigger canoeing).
Craig’s priorities are to explore diverse land use opportunities that will protect and enhance our unique water, soil and biodiversity, while responding to the challenges of climate change.
Councillor.Pauling@ecan.govt.nz
Watch Craig Pauling's opening speech.
Nicole is an environmental scientist and was previously working at Environment Canterbury as a Groundwater Scientist.
Nicole campaigned on a platform of conscientious, transparent and accountable decision-making. She believes her strong understanding of the natural environment and insight into resource governance will help the Council achieve healthy environments and healthy communities.
She intends to champion actions that deliver sustainable solutions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Councillor.Marshall@ecan.govt.nz
Watch Nicole Marshall's opening speech.
Lan is a returning Environment Canterbury Councillor. She has a background in freshwater ecology and environmental management.
She is the founder of the Working Waters Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to the protection and restoration of endangered native fish.
Lan campaigned on a platform of change to prioritise the ‘common good’ of current and future generations.
Her priorities are ensuring a fully functional democratic organisation following the return to a fully-elected council, urgent action in response to the climate and ecological emergency, and a fit-for-purpose planning and rules framework that prioritises the environment and freshwater ecosystems.
Watch Lan Pham's opening speech.
Elizabeth has spent the last 17 years working in geochemistry, forensic science, environment chemistry and biomedical science, most recently at the University of Auckland.
Elizabeth campaigned on a platform of resolving the disconnect between science and local government, and the serious consequences this has for people and environment.
Her priorities are to develop and implement a Climate Change Emergency Mitigation and Adaptation Plan, accelerate implementation of the new government policy for freshwater management, and lead restoration of diverse insect habitats to protect biodiversity and safeguard our food ecosystems.
Councillor.Elizabeth.McKenzie@ecan.govt.nz
Watch Elizabeth McKenzie's opening speech.
View the current remuneration policy for local authority elected members.
The Pre-Election Report-2019 (PDF File, 1.26MB) provides a snapshot of Environment Canterbury’s work to progress the sustainable use of land, water and other resources and points to issues facing our region and how to plan to tackle them.